This month, we’re excited to feature someone whose leadership and vision shape every corner of Measurement Resources Company (MRC): our CEO, Christy Farnbauch. Instead of a traditional spotlight, we’re taking a more conversational, podcast‑inspired approach — the kind that feels like you’ve pulled up a chair and joined us for a thoughtful, energizing chat.
Christy has spent her career as a leader in mission‑driven nonprofit organizations and government agencies. She understands the importance of measuring impact and using data to inform planning and decision-making for long‑term change. Her leadership blends curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to measurable results, qualities that guide MRC’s growth and the work we do alongside our partners.
A Leadership Journey Rooted in Curiosity
If you’ve ever had a conversation with Christy, you know she brings a calm, intentional presence to every discussion. She listens deeply, asks thoughtful questions, and sees possibilities where others see complexity. Her background spans nonprofit and government leadership and entrepreneurship across social service, education, and the arts — a combination that gives her a unique lens on the opportunities and challenges facing mission‑driven organizations. Christy describes herself as a “collector of questions,” because she believes the right question can unlock new ideas, clarity, and momentum.
A Day in the Life
Christy’s days are a blend of strategy, collaboration, and connection. One moment she’s reviewing a long‑term evaluation plan, the next she’s meeting with partners to talk through their goals, and later she’s checking in with the MRC team to support ongoing projects.
What stays constant is her focus on clarity — helping organizations move from uncertainty to insight, from questions to action.
“I really enjoy talking with current and prospective clients. I believe I bring a unique perspective to this position, because I’ve been a nonprofit CEO, worked in a government agency that funded nonprofits, and consulted with purpose‑driven organizations. I share some of the same lived experiences that our clients do.”
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Christy finds inspiration in books, music and the arts, community events, and family. With a bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance and business administration, she still makes music every week with the Brass Band of Columbus.
She’s known for her curiosity, her love of creative spaces, and her ability to find joy in small moments — whether she’s attending a concert or theatre production, diving into a great book, or spending time with her husband, two grown sons, or her three young grandchildren.
Rapid‑Fire Questions with Christy
To wrap up our conversation, we asked Christy a few fun, podcast‑style rapid‑fire questions, the kind that reveal the person behind the title.
What’s a small daily ritual you never skip?
I make my bed every day.
What’s your go‑to coffee or tea order?
Chai Tea Latte.
If you could invite any three people — living or historical — to a dinner party, who would you choose?
Eleanor Roosevelt and my grandmothers. I’ve always been fascinated by the Gilded Age — the late 180s through the early 1900s. Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong woman and activist focused on social change. My grandmothers died before I was old enough to know what questions to ask them about their lives and experiences, and I’d love to hear their stories.
What’s your favorite kitchen utensil, and why?
I love to cook and bake, so it’s hard to choose just one. I love anything from Pampered Chef, and my KitchenAid mixer is essential — especially when baking with family during the holidays.
What’s your “superpower” at work?
My superpower is my network of colleagues and friends. I’m blessed with a wide and deep network that I’ve authentically cultivated over the years, based on mutual respect. My favorite thing to do is connect people who need to know each other. My teams often joke that I know “everyone.” I don’t — but I can often find a connection to someone I don’t know.
Christy’s leadership reminds us that curiosity, clarity, and connection are powerful forces for change. We’re grateful for the vision she brings to MRC every day and for the way she inspires our team, our partners, and the communities we serve.
