By Tara Ghavam, Communications Support, CGA
For 27 years, Krista Lee has helped turn technical expertise into publications that support safety across the compressed gas industry.
As Director of Publishing at the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), Krista has watched publications transform, technology change the way we communicate, and the association grow, all while bringing her own experience, creativity and dedication to the work.
In this issue of Voices of CGA, Krista reflects on how she learned her craft, the people behind CGA’s publications and the mission that continues to motivate her.
“I’ve spent most of my career at CGA and celebrated 27 years this August,” Krista says. “CGA has been a great fit because it combines my passion for editing and publishing with work that supports industry safety and has a meaningful impact,” she adds.
Publishing wasn’t always part of Krista’s career plan, but a family connection helped introduce her to the field. “My mother actually worked for CGA as an editor years ago. I worked closely with her and other staff, and built my skill set from there,” she says. “As time went on, they moved on and I took over those responsibilities.” Krista welcomed the opportunity to take on more responsibility. “Publishing for CGA is definitely a learned skill – learning the CGA style and the technical language,” she explains. As technology and publishing practices evolved, she continued to learn. “I learned my career at CGA, and as things changed, my skills changed with them,” she says.
One of Krista’s most eye-opening discoveries was how much the compressed gas industry touches everyday life. “I’ve really come to appreciate how much the compressed gas industry affects everyday life, even though most people outside of the industry don’t realize it. Before I started with CGA, I had no idea how important our safety standards and guidelines are to keeping the general public and the industry safe,” she explains. “When people ask what I do and I explain it to them, it’s just amazing to them and to me.”
Krista also enjoys the variety of her work. “No two days are the same. I mainly work with staff on publication projects, review drafts, help resolve technical and editorial questions, analyze publication data, and look for ways to improve our processes. It is rewarding to develop and publish high-quality resources that provide value to our members and the public,” she says. “Depending on the publication, once it goes through all of the relevant approvals, it can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple days to review.”
CGA typically issues 50 to 60 publications each year, Krista says. “The typical volume is pretty significant,” she explains. “This year, is actually on track to be one of our highest publishing years yet, so that’s exciting.”
Every publication reflects the combined expertise of CGA staff and member volunteers. “Something that really sticks out in my work is the importance of our member volunteers who do the technical work and who work behind the scenes to get these publications across the finish line,” she says. “And for them, this isn’t their day-to-day job. It’s something extra on top of what they normally do. Over the years, I’ve been struck by how knowledgeable those volunteers are and how willing they are to share and work together.”
Asked what has kept her at CGA for 27 years, Krista points to our mission. “I truly enjoy the editing, publishing and attention to detail. I’ve enjoyed that work the whole time. But it’s really the mission of CGA that has kept me here. Knowing that my efforts help keep people safe makes what I do meaningful.”
All of us at CGA thank Krista for 27 years of dedication, expertise and care in publishing the resources our industry relies on. If you see her in the office or at an upcoming CGA event, take a moment to say hello and thank her for all she does to support our members and advance industry safety.
Hear another Voice of CGA: CGA Member, Bill Hald: https://lnkd.in/dbP_PsXb
