Kristin Baldwin

Kristin Baldwin serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Smith Hurst, PLC, where she oversees the Firm’s business and financial operations. In her role, Kristin collaborates closely with the Firm’s partners to implement forward-thinking strategies that drive growth, operational excellence, and innovation in the evolving legal landscape of Northwest Arkansas.

Kristin takes a results-driven, people-focused approach to leadership and is deeply involved in all aspects of the Firm’s administrative infrastructure. Her responsibilities include managing the Firm’s annual budget, tracking business goals, analyzing key financial data, and producing strategic reports to inform decision-making. She leads the administrative team, oversees accounting procedures, and ensures regulatory, legal, and fiduciary compliance throughout the organization. In addition, Kristin manages enterprise risks and insurance programs, including professional liability and healthcare, and maintains strong relationships with external stakeholders such as accountants, financial institutions, and consultants—helping to fortify the Firm’s position in a competitive market.

Known for her collaborative leadership and clear communication, Kristin is a trusted member of the Firm’s executive leadership team and regularly contributes to strategic planning and firmwide initiatives.

Before stepping into the role of COO, Kristin spent more than a decade in the legal industry supporting a wide range of practice areas including business law, contracts, intellectual property, and estate planning. Her firsthand experience in legal operations brings valuable insight to her current leadership position.

Kristin is also a dedicated and active member of the Northwest Arkansas community. She currently serves on the Generations Bank Advisory Board and the Mercy Corporate Council and is a member of both the Leadership Fayetteville Committee and the Benton County Leadership Committee. She also volunteers with the Fayetteville Public Schools’ ALLPS School on Innovation through the Christmas Gift Giving Committee. These are just a few of the many ways Kristin contributes to the region.

Her commitment to service and leadership has been recognized through several honors, including being named to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty list, receiving the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce’s Above and Beyond Award, and being honored with the Fayetteville Public Schools Outstanding Volunteer Award.