When the Message Matters, Leaders Call Kristi Kendall
You have a story that can shape hearts, minds, and even history. But clarity matters - and so does the messenger.
For over 25 years, Kristi Kendall has helped thought leaders, public figures, and nonprofits communicate with impact, transforming complex ideas into compelling narratives that move people to action.
Founding Kristi Kendall & Co – Ideas That Matter
2019–Present
In 2019 she started her own company with the mission of “Connecting Hearts and Minds to Ideas that Matter.” As part of that mission, she has worked with dozens of non-profit leaders across the country to sharpen and hone their messages to improve their effectiveness and impact the world.
Her company has also produced and directed dozens of video projects on topics as varied as 3-D printing housing (Feature documentary: Project Home), white-water rafting to overcome political polarization (RAFT for America), human rights in Hong Kong (Cato Institute Friedman prize piece on Jimmy Lai), criminal record expungement (Documentary short: Clean Slate), globalization (Cato Institute: Faces of Globalization series) and child welfare (AEI: No Way to Treat a Child Series). Her most recent feature documentary, UNDIVIDE US, tackles toxic polarization and demonstrates how each of us, through our communities and individual actions, can stop it.
Creative Vision at New Balloon – Films That Inspire Connection
2014–2018
In 2014 she became the EVP at New Balloon, using moving picture content as a means of encouraging connectivity, compassion, and conversation. Notable projects include The Creative Brain with David Eagleman, Kasi Lemmon’s Harriet, Cary Fukunaga’s Beasts of No Nation and Rodrigo Garcia’s Last Days in the Desert.
Leadership at Fox – Executive Producer for Stossel
2009–2013
In 2009 she became John Stossel’s executive producer at Fox News and Fox Business, where she launched his highly-rated weekly show and oversaw more than a dozen documentary hours for Stossel and others.
The 20/20 Era – Humanizing Complex Policy on Primetime TV
1997–2008
Kristi began her career in 1997 at the ABC News magazine 20/20 where she produced nearly a hundred pieces and specialized in humanizing and communicating engaging narratives about complex policy and economic ideas.
Recognition, Awards & Fellowships
Across Career
Kristi is the recipient of the Paul Mongerson Prize for Investigative Reporting, the Michael DeBakey Journalism Award, the NLGJA/Siegenthaler Excellence in Journalism Award, the Templeton-Cambridge fellowship and was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for her role in ABC's coverage of September 11, 2001.
Kristi Today – Grounded in Brooklyn
Present
Kristi lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, two kids, dog and cat - all in the same apartment.