The Women of MDNA: Meet Kristine Conroy

Welcome to “The Women of MDNA,” a series of posts where you’ll meet some of the remarkable women in our industry. Women have been trailblazers in the industry, promoting more than just machines. Consider Kristine Conroy, who has made an enormous impact through the Austin D. Lucas Scholarship Fund and the MDNA Convention.
 
How did you get involved in the industry?
My father, John McMillan, was a machinery dealer, so I grew up in the industry. In fact, he got his start through Austin Lucas, for whom MDNA’s scholarship fund is named. While I was in college, I wanted to be a dealer, but at that time there were very few women in the industry, so my father and Austin encouraged me to choose another career.
 
I chose education and received my master’s degree as a reading specialist. Then I raised our sons, Adam and Austin. After many years of volunteering, I took a job in 1993 at Yale University, reading and evaluating applications. At the same time, the Austin D. Lucas Scholarship Fund (ADLSF) applications were increasing. Austin approached me to become a trustee and help revise the application itself and the method for students to apply.
 
It was a wonderful opportunity to be involved in MDNA and offer my knowledge. I felt as if I had come full circle! In 2001, I became president of the fund. I was the first non-dealer to be a trustee and president of the Austin D. Lucas Scholarship Fund.
 
The scholarship is my passion. It’s wonderful how it has evolved over the last 40 years. I am so grateful for the support of the MDNA members that have made the ADLSF so successful. I really feel that the scholarship fund is the best thing MDNA does. It changes students’ lives and is a real benefit to owners to give to employees.
 
How else have you been involved in MDNA? 
I’ve served on the convention committee for 20 years. My husband, John, is the chairman.  John supervises the convention team, and I do the party planning and handle a lot of the details, working closely with Mark Robinson. It’s been a joy. We are in sync for our goals for what we want members to achieve. I want members to have fun but also to network and to know the MDNA family the way I know it.
 
What is the benefit of being involved in MDNA?
I grew up with parents going to conventions. It’s been a part of my whole life. The industry goes far beyond buying and selling machinery. If you are involved in MDNA, you’re family. My closest friends are MDNA members. We fly across the country to visit with each other and share in family celebrations.
 
How has the industry changed over the years? 
I’ve known generations of machinery dealers: my father’s generation, my generation, the next generation. Years ago, my father traveled to look at machines. Over the years, even my husband traveled a lot. Today, thanks to the Internet, dealers tend to travel less. In that way, the younger generation has helped bring the industry forward through technology. I really like seeing the younger generation sharing ideas with the older generation, and the older generation giving ideas and history. It's a nice blend and beneficial in many ways.
 
What do you like best about the industry? 
The more you give to the association, the more you get back and the closer you get. This is an amazing group of very special people. I always wanted to be in the industry, and now things have come full circle. I love what I do and especially love the people I have met through MDNA.

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