Riskey: This is a longer story; however, the short answer is that I was "called" while in the Anchor Room Bookshop in Fort Wayne, Ind. My life has never been the same since.

Why did you decide to join the staff of CBA?
I wanted to help more retailers, and I believe that the association provides our industry with the "place" to get together with our different needs to bring compromise and find solutions. I was "called" to CBA to best use the gifts and talents that have been given to me.

I tend to think strategically, so the Association for Christian Retail seemed to be the best place to use those gifts, and others have confirmed that this was a good fit. Ultimately, I want to see Jesus Christ become known to more people who need a Savior, and I want to see His name lifted high in the marketplace.

What do you miss about day-to-day involvement in retail?
I truly miss the people and relationships. I miss being able to talk with our customers/pastors and find out how God is moving in their lives and our community. It truly energizes me to hear the stories of what God has done and is doing.

I miss talking with our team members and finding out what is going on in their lives, as many have been college students trying to figure out what direction to go into with their ministries/careers. I miss hearing about how lives have been redeemed and how people have come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Those are things that truly energize me.

Since joining CBA, you have helped to develop some key initiatives. Which have you been most pleased with?
It is difficult to limit to only one initiative, as I see the many benefits for various retailers or suppliers through each one. However, I would say that our CBA channel exclusives have brought me the most pleasure because I have seen firsthand the power of collaboration, leverage and ministry.

I mean, who can't get excited about providing Bibles for our troops, helping families in difficult financial circumstances find wisdom, bringing encouragement and hope to those suffering with cancer, and pointing people toward the true meaning of Christmas? I love that!

Aren't you daunted by taking on this new role at such a challenging time?
This is a challenging time as we see it. However, God sees something completely different. In fact, His work will continue and His will be done. I just want to figure out how we can be a part of what He will continue to do. Our challenge is to marry what we do to be in line with His goals, and then we will be successful.

What are the three biggest challenges facing Christian retailers?
New technology, margin erosion and the changing needs of the consumer.

What's the biggest challenge for CBA?
Keeping Christian retailers in the ever-changing technology game and helping to define that new role.

In the light of the economy, online shopping, multi-channel sales and digital publishing, does Christian retail have a long-term future?
Absolutely! Experience and relationship can trump price and technology as long as we are creating value and meeting needs. The challenge is to keep Christian retail in the technology equation so we can compete. We also need to better communicate the hearts and mission of Christian retail to consumers and show how these stores can support the church.

What do you do for recreation and renewal away from the office?
I enjoy following my children's different interests and supporting them. All three of my children are growing in character and becoming young adults. I'm growing with them! I've also been running and training for marathons.

What Christian book(s)/resource(s) have you been reading/using lately?
The Bible; Dr. David Jeremiah's Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World (Thomas Nelson); George Barna's Master Leaders (Barna Books/Tyndale House Publishers), which takes place at a trade show ); and Randy Alcorn's The Treasure Principle (Multnomah Books).

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