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Dr. Krystal Conner, '99, Rocks the C-Suite as CEO of Enviro AgScience
Posted on Mar 22, 2018
"FVSU created an incredibly strong support system that would not allow me to fail."
- Dr. Krystal Conner
Dr. Krystal Conner is the CEO of Enviro AgScience, Inc. In this role, the FVSU alumna oversees strategy development and execution as the company grows, including the expansion of international joint ventures and global partnerships. Enviro AgScience provides construction management and landscaping and grounds maintenance services. This includes program management, general contracting, architectural services, safety management, and landscape architecture. Enviro AgScience has been recognized as a national Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency, as the 4th fastest growing company in South Carolina, and as one of Black Enterprise magazine's top 100 largest black-owned firms.
Dr. Conner's experience in the sciences is broad and deep. She previously served as the chief of pharmacy for Atlanta's Grady Health System . While at Grady, she managed pharmaceutical staff and directed policies to ensure the quality and safety of pharmacy services. Dr. Conner graduated cum laude from Mercer University, where she earned Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees, in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree from Fort Valley State University in 1999. While at FVSU, she was a Cooperative Developmental Energy Program scholar and president of Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Though Conner has achieved much over her career, she believes that true success extends beyond personal ambition. "My definition of success has changed over the years, she said. "Success to me before was based on status and money. Success to me now is being able to reach out and help someone out who is in need. It means being a part of helping someone work towards their God-given call. It could be providing jobs, mentoring, giving advice, or just being there to lift someone up when they need it."
She credits FVSU with helping her develop a holistic life perspective. "I didn't realize it at the time, but all of my experiences at FVSU prepared me for that role," she reflected. "From the moment I stepped on campus as a freshman, the faculty, staff, and even my fellow classmates provided me with a support system that I do not believe I would have had at any other school. Professors knew me by name, they knew where I came from and what my aspirations were. When they saw me doing something contrary to what my aspirations were, they called me on it and set me straight. The faculty and staff encouraged me, mentored me, motivated me, and pushed me to do more than I thought I was capable of doing. My classmates supported me and encouraged me. FVSU created an incredibly strong support system that would not allow me to fail. I have never forgotten that, and it prepared me to want to do the same for others."
The company was founded by Conner's father, Louis Lynn, and she works alongside her brothers and sisters, who also have leadership roles. Mr. Lynn remains chairman of the company. Conner considers herself a fourth-generation entrepreneur and feels a strong need to continue the legacy of her family in business.
Conner doesn't believe that there are any real secrets to success. In fact, she says, her philosophy on success is rooted in one of the oldest books ever published--the Holy Bible.
"I often refer to the Bible verse [Habakkuk 2:2], which states, 'Write the vision; make it plain,'" she said. "A vision and purpose are like a road map. If you don't have them, you don't know where you are headed. If you don't know where you are headed, you may just end up somewhere you didn't intend to be. That's true in both business and in life!"
She advises everyone to find their own path to fulfillment, but to also seek out advice from people who care about them and will provide frank guidance.
"I would advise anyone to find a few really good mentors," said Conner. "Someone who can give you advice and guidance, but also someone who is not afraid to hurt your feelings and tell you the truth. I have both male and female mentors of varying races and ages. Having the perspective of successful men and women of similar and different backgrounds is invaluable."
More about Dr. Krystal Conner
Read: Black Enterprise- [Dynamic Dads] CEO Krystal Conner: Business Lessons From My Father
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