“40 Under 40” recognizes 40 talented individuals under the age of 40 who are making a positive impact on the region’s development. Developed in 1999, “40 under 40” helps highlight Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania as a place where young people can make a difference.  Now in its tenth year, the awards are more popular than ever.

                           
It is a great pleasure to nominate Cristy Laudadio for the 40 Under 40 award. My comments are from the vantage of a fourth generation Pittsburgher and the owner of a management consulting business with clients throughout the United States and abroad.

Cristy combines unbounded energy and a positive and infectious personality with shrewd entrepreneurship, a drive to succeed and a sparkling and unwavering commitment to our region. She is one of those rare people who does everything well and achieves so much without displaying excessive pride or condescension. To the contrary, people are drawn to Cristy; they want to be involved with everything she does.

Last year, Cristy was the starting kicker for the World Championship-winning, Pittsburgh Passion Women’s football team. In this capacity she was the National Women’s Football Association’s top kicker in the league for the 2007 season, finishing sixth overall in the league for points scored. Consequently, she was voted “Most Kick Ass Chic in Pittsburgh” by B94 and Fox television and was, consequently, asked to represent our region this past January in Hollywood, CA for the red-carpet premiere of “The Terminator, Sarah Connor Chronicles”. I have no doubt that she represented Pittsburgh exceptionally well, and turned more than a few heads for her dynamism, confidence, beauty and verve.

These attributes are on display, presently, in her capacity as Recreation Sales Manager for Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Cristy recruits corporate groups to Nemacolin and directs team building adventure and recreational programs that break down barriers to communication, create trust and bring corporate groups closer together. Furthermore, building upon her passion and extensive experience as a rock climber, hiker, mountain biker, white-water rafting and ski instructor, Cristy is also the founder of Pura Vida Club, a Pittsburgh-based association of outdoor enthusiasts. Pura Vida has quickly become a nexus for people interested in outdoor recreation, healthy living and social interaction with like-minded people.

Cristy is also a musician, singer and songwriter who performs solo and with other Pittsburgh area musicians at top venues throughout the region. I first heard her perform in West Virginia with a nationally-acclaimed blue grass band from Virginia.

Does it sound like I am impressed with Cristy Laudadio? You bet I am. This multi-talented, ambitious, successful yet down-to-earth entrepreneur and community icon-in-the making embodies the best of Pittsburgh.

Nomination made by-
Richard K. Danforth. Owner/CEO of Danforth Co. Pittsburgh, PA.