Meet Our Staff
Krista Gjestland
Krista grew up wandering between cornfields and raspberry patches on Jackson County farmland. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Michigan University, she spent several years working in local news as a writer and editor for Heritage Media, the Daily Telegram, and We Love A2/Dexter before transitioning to nonprofit work.
Prior to her role as Legacy’s Development and Communications Director, Krista spent three years with the Ypsilanti Freighthouse—a nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation and community events. She comes to Legacy with a deep passion for building community through shared experiences. Krista calls Ypsilanti home, and spends her free time reading, writing, making music, and exploring Michigan’s green spaces, usually with a cold beer or hot coffee in hand.
How can I help you?
I connect donors, grantmakers, and legacy society members to our mission. If you’re interested in supporting our work, attending an event, or exploring planned giving, I’m here to guide you.