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Carolyn is in her eighth year as the Executive Director for Kirksville Regional Economic Development, Inc., a 501c3 public private partnership. Her main job entails working on business retention and expansion and business attraction. She works with the major industries in town and is also a leader for workforce development. Additionally she serves as the Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Enterprise and Innovation Center, and is the Center Director for the Small Business Technology Development Center. Her works includes small businesses, stage 2, start-ups, and tech related companies.

Before this position, Carolyn taught in the public school system for six and a half years. She taught middle school Social Studies. As a teacher she traveled on a Fullbright Hays study tour to China, and went to Korea with the Korea Society. Her interest in economic development started when she was elected at the age of 26 to serve on the Kirksville City Council. Her role there also had her serve on the Regional Planning Commission, Planning and Zoning, Kirksville Downtown Improvement Committee, and the Sesquicentennial celebration. Because of her role on the Council, she spent two weeks in Israel and the West Bank with the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Truman State University; a Master of Arts in Education from Truman State University; a Master in History from UMSL; and a Doctorate of Education from William Woods University. She is a Economic Development Finance Professional as well. Carolyn has also been President of the Kirksville Kiwanis Club, is a member of the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and serves in her local church.

Carolyn is married to Jason Chrisman and they reside in Kirksville. They have four children. Hobbies include studying and teaching history, and spending time with family.