Poyner Spruill is pleased to announce Cheslie Kryst will serve as the firm’s first Diversity Advisor.
Cheslie previously served as a member of the firm’s litigation team where her practice focused on complex civil litigation. While on sabbatical during her reign as Miss USA 2019, Cheslie has continued to be an advocate for change and used her platform to speak against injustice. She is passionate about criminal justice reform and has worked pro bono for clients serving excessive time for low-level drug offenses.
In October 2019, Cheslie was named a correspondent for the nationally broadcast entertainment news show, Extra, where she regularly interviews the world’s biggest names, from Tom Hanks to Oprah Winfrey.
Cheslie is a Dress for Success Impact Ambassador and supports chapters across the country, traveling to local communities to give back. She also serves on the National Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Cheslie earned both her law degree and MBA from Wake Forest University and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from the Honors College at the University of South Carolina.
In her new role, Cheslie will help advance and sharpen the firm’s diversity and inclusion development. Her appointment as the firm’s inaugural Diversity Advisor is one of the many steps the firm is taking in its commitment to prioritizing diversity and inclusion.
“We are excited to have Cheslie serve the firm in this new role and to remain part of the Poyner team. Her passion, world experiences, and knowledge will offer great insight and direction. Our firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee is energized about working alongside Cheslie to continue progressing towards and reaching our goals as we commit to fostering a firm culture that is both diverse and inclusive,” says Poyner Spruill Managing Partner Dan Cahill.
