Kristen Hitchcock
Plant City Advisory Board
Kristen Hitchcock is the Chief Financial Officer at Parkesdale Farms, Inc. and Parkesdale Packing & Cooling, Inc., where she has been instrumental in driving financial strategy and operations for the past five years, contributing to a total of 13 years with the company. Kristen's career spans over two decades in the agriculture industry, with previous experience at FBCH/One More Child, where she served for six years, and Lakeland Christian School, where she worked for two and a half years.
Kristen holds a BA in Interpersonal Communications from the University of South Florida and an MBA from Southeastern University. She is also a Certified Fund-Raising Executive and holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management. In addition, she is a proud member of Class XII of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Beyond her professional commitments, Kristen is deeply involved in her community. She has volunteered with numerous organizations, including One More Child, Redemption Church, Casa David in Guatemala, the Florida Strawberry Festival, and the GFWC Junior Women’s Club. She also serves as a Board Member of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA), Treasurer of the FFA Alumni of Lakeland High School, President of the Lakeland High School Parent-Teacher Partnership (PTP), and Chair of the School Advisory Council (SAC) committee.
Kristen is a devoted wife and mother, sharing her life with her husband Brett and their children Hunter, Hannah, Hailey, and Hayden. In memory of her son Hayden, Kristen runs a marathon every year in his honor.