Kristina Kiest
I’m a Digital Solutions Architect, Creative Lead, and IT strategist with a passion for blending innovation with purposeful design.
I bring a unique mix of technical expertise and creative thinking to help organizations modernize their digital systems, elevate their brand, and communicate with clarity. With experience across both public and private sectors, I lead large-scale transformations, optimize complex workflows, and develop user-centered solutions that align technology with business goals.
From reimagining digital platforms to shaping effective communication strategies, I thrive on turning complex challenges into practical, impactful outcomes. Whether you need a new vision, a fresh design, or a strategic roadmap, I deliver tailored solutions built on collaboration and results.
Keep scrolling to explore my professional journey, and catch a few of my side quests along the way!
To learn more about hiring me for a project, or to see my contract work, send an inquiry to the business.
Core Competencies
Technical Expertise
SQL, MySQL, AWS, GitHub, PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, WordPress, Drupal
Communications
Science Communication, Public Speaking, Plain-Language Documentation, Stakeholder Engagement, Training Delivery
Project Management
Agile & Waterfall Methodology, IT Change Management, Corporate Portfolio Optimization
Cloud Architecture
SaaS, CMS, Data Lakes, API Integration, Cybersecurity
Digital Solutions
Cloud Applications, Content Delivery Platforms, SEO, Analytics Reporting, Data Visualization
Work Experience
I’ve built a career at the intersection of digital strategy, technology, and communications, leading impactful work across NOAA, federal contractors, research institutions, and private clients. At NOAA, I currently serve as a Systems Administrator and Digital Solutions Architect, where I contribute to modernization efforts for over 160 sites and drive organization-wide innovation in cloud architecture, workflow tools, and data systems. While at Alpha Omega Integration, I spearheaded the secure migration and redesign of 30+ NOAA websites, raising system security levels and aligning infrastructure with compliance standards and research goals.
At GroundSwell, I led digital strategy and communications for NOAA’s Weather Program Office, doubling returning users, reducing bounce rates, and launching dozens of high-impact web pages and outreach campaigns. Earlier, at CIMAS, I crafted NOAA AOML’s science communications strategy and initiated a website redesign to make oceanic and climate research more accessible and user-friendly. Through Silver Fern Consultants, I’ve supported businesses across industries with branding, digital communications, and web development, helping clients elevate their online presence with thoughtful design and measurable results.
Passion Projects
This is where the side quests live.
Whether I’m chasing light through the mountains with my camera (while helping my wife capture drone footage from above), building websites for life coaches and farms, or crafting brand identities for everyone from small construction companies to cannabis startups navigating tight regulations, I’m always creating something. I travel often, think in digital workflows, and love using design and tech to bring ideas to life.
These are the projects I do for the thrill of it- creative tangents, experiments, and just-for-fun ideas that remind me why I love what I do.
Certifications & Training
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AWS Sagemaker | ExitCertified | Seattle, WA | 2024
AWS Bedrock & Generative AI | ExitCertified | Seattle, WA | 2024
Virtual Communications Media Training | NOAA | Miami, Florida | 2020
Analytics Academy | Google | Miami, Florida | 2019
Twitter Flight School | Twitter | Miami, Florida | 2018
Presentation Bootcamp | University of Miami | Miami, Florida | 2018
Strategic Presenter | Dale Carnegie Program | Ottawa, Illinois | 2012
Google Ads | Google | Chicago, Illinois | 2011
Adobe Creative Suite Design | Adobe | Ottawa, Illinois | 2008
✨ Let's Connect
Whether you're hiring for your team, looking for a creative collaborator, or curious about working together on a freelance project, I'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form to the right and I’ll be in touch soon.