Youth Connect - Before & After School and Summer Programing Expert Cristin Chavez-Smith

Born and raised in Albuquerque, Cristin Chavez-Smith decided early in her career to commit to public service in order to contribute in making Albuquerque a great place to live and work. Her career started out like many other young people, as a Recreation Leader in the City of Albuquerque. She achieved her Bachelors of Science in Family Studies and her Master of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.

Over the last 15 years, Cristin has worked as a manager in various roles in three different departments in  the City of Albuquerque. From Community and Multigenerational Centers, to the sports programs in Parks and Recreation, to Community Outreach in the Department of Family and Community Services, Cristin’s experience gives her a unique insight into serving the families of Albuquerque.

Cristin currently serves as the Community Recreation and Educational Initiatives Division Manager, overseeing the staff and operations of 22 Community Centers, the PLAY+ and Therapeutic Recreation Programs, and all educational and meal programs for the City. She also leads ONE ABQ Youth Connect, an interdepartmental group of managers dedicated to collaboration and work around all things “youth.”

Cristin is dedicated to building strong teams through servant leadership and collaboration. As an extrovert and a Gryffindor, motivation through team building is a given! In her spare time, Cristin enjoys travel, photography, birding, and hiking with her husband, Trey and their son, Xavier.