Kirsten Yurich is a seasoned leader, behavior analyst, speaker, and former CEO who has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their highest potential. Rising from an entry-level role at Vista Autism Services to its Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten’s journey reflects her profound understanding of the complexities and challenges leaders face. Her leadership approach blends a deep commitment to values, a strategic mindset, and a passion for fostering meaningful change.
Currently serving as a Vistage Chair, Kirsten partners with CEOs and business owners across industries, facilitating peer advisory groups and private coaching to help leaders make better decisions, achieve breakthrough results, and create harmony between personal and professional pursuits. Through her work at Be Generative, Kirsten further equips leaders to navigate today’s complexities by unlocking hidden potential and fostering sustainable, high-impact leadership.
Kirsten’s tenure as CEO of Vista Autism Services underscores her ability to drive organizational success while championing innovation. During her executive leadership, she expanded services, increased operational revenue by over $15 million, and opened new, innovative programs to serve hundreds of clients and employ hundreds of staff across multiple locations. Additionally, she collaborated with lawmakers to draft Pennsylvania legislation that enhanced access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.
Her expertise extends to her work with The Performance Thinking Network, where she leverages her performance engineering skills to help organizations optimize systems, enhance team performance, and achieve business objectives. Kirsten has been instrumental in driving culture shifts and delivering measurable outcomes for her clients.
A lifelong advocate for education and professional growth, Kirsten serves as an adjunct professor and advisory board member for ABA programs at institutions such as Penn State Harrisburg and Felician University. She is also the co-author of The Precision Teaching Book, a resource that simplifies complex behavior analysis principles into actionable strategies for educators, parents, and change agents.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kirsten is deeply involved in her community. She serves on the boards of Breakthrough T1D and the Career Professional Executives Networking Group, where she contributes her expertise to advancing education and economic empowerment. Her volunteer work reflects her unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact.
Kirsten’s passion for leadership development is matched by her dedication to advocacy. As Vice President of the ABA in PA Initiative, she works tirelessly to improve the accessibility and quality of ABA services while shaping policies that support individuals and families affected by autism. Her influence has helped pave the way for systemic improvements in the field.
Her achievements are backed by extensive credentials, including certifications in Performance Thinking, Top Gun Teamwork, Integral Facilitation, and Inclusive Leadership, as well as her licensure as a Behavior Analyst in multiple states. Kirsten’s educational foundation, with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State University and a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology from Lock Haven University, has been pivotal in shaping her unique approach to leadership and problem-solving.
Kirsten Yurich’s biography is a testament to her commitment to empowering others, advancing innovation, and driving results across industries. Whether coaching executives, advocating for systemic change, or delivering impactful presentations, Kirsten’s work reflects a balance of strategic vision and genuine care for the people and organizations she serves.
Character:
Kirsten Yurich demonstrates unwavering integrity, resilience, and a profound dedication to empowering others. Her leadership style is rooted in compassion, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to creating lasting positive impact.
Knowledge:
With over 25 years of experience in leadership, behavior analysis, and organizational development, Kirsten brings a deep well of expertise to her work. Her educational foundation and certifications further solidify her as a thought leader in her field.
Strategic:
Kirsten excels at aligning vision with actionable, sustainable strategies to drive measurable results. She leverages her performance engineering expertise and data-driven approach to solve complex problems and foster innovation.
Communication:
As an experienced facilitator and speaker, Kirsten communicates with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Her ability to inspire trust and cultivate meaningful connections empowers teams and individuals to achieve their goals.
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