2025 Chief of Staff Impact Award Winner
Kristina Karalic
Chief of Staff, International Bridge, Inc.
Each year at AFN, we pause to celebrate leaders who elevate the Chief of Staff role not just through execution, but through influence, integrity, and lasting impact. We are proud to announce that Kristina Karalic has been named AFN’s 2025 Chief of Staff Impact Award Winner. Over the past year, Kristina has embodied the full complexity and power of the role, growing from operational leader to trusted executive partner while bringing depth, clarity, and steadiness to her organization.
At the core of Kristina’s leadership is one foundational principle: trust. As she shared, “There’s one foundational thing, and that’s trust. It’s what gives you access to information, to people. It’s what gives you credibility. And at the end, it’s what gives you influence without formal authority.” Trust is how she earned the role, expanded her impact, and continues to serve as a true extension of her principal and executive team. Her operational grit, hands-on experience, and ability to connect the dots during periods of growth have strengthened alignment across her organization and helped transform ideas into repeatable, scalable processes.
Kristina is also a committed learner who understands that leadership requires reflection, not just action. Through AFN’s Chief of Staff community, she has leaned into growth, resilience, and self-awareness, reminding others that “Build micro-practices into your day. This work is hard and stressful.” Known for her humility and curiosity, she continues to earn trust as her organization evolves. This award recognizes not only what Kristina has accomplished, but how she shows up: operationally grounded, strategically sharp, and continuously learning. Congratulations, Kristina. We are honored to celebrate you.
Meet Kristina
Kristina Karalic serves as Chief of Staff at International Bridge, Inc., a global logistics and technology provider supporting major e-commerce retailers, where she focuses on fostering leadership alignment, strategic clarity, and disciplined execution. Over the past decade, she has grown within the organization from quality control and operations into a trusted member of the senior leadership team, serving as a central integrator across the enterprise.
Kristina is known for her ability to simplify complexity and help turn strategy into coordinated action. By strengthening communication and reinforcing accountability, she ensures that leaders can operate with focus and cohesion. With a steady mindset and a commitment to partnership, she seeks to elevate those around her through trust and constructive collaboration—supporting the company’s vision and values as it continues to scale.
Above all, Kristina leads with heart as well as discipline. A devoted wife and proud mother of three, she grounds her leadership in strong family values, perspective, and integrity.
Curious how trust becomes influence? Watch Kristina’s full interview with Matt and hear her perspective firsthand.
Kristina Karalic, Chief of Staff, International Bridge, Inc.
“I’m truly grateful for this recognition. For me, this award represents years of learning, stepping into operational work, building trust, and growing into the leadership side of the Chief of Staff role. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible people, and I’m excited to continue learning, strengthening relationships, and serving my organization in ways that create clarity and connection.”
Matt Sitter, CEO of AFN, Partner at Sixth Wing
“We are proud to celebrate Kristina Karalic as our 2025 Chief of Staff of the Year. Kristina exemplifies humility, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to building trust, the very qualities that make a Chief of Staff truly impactful. She has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and a deep respect for the complexity of the role, earning the confidence of those she serves and strengthening her organization in the process.”