Honoring Our 2025 Staff of the Year: Alicia Crist

honoring our 2025 staff of the year: alicia crist

At Surfing The Nations, we believe that the heart of our mission is carried by people who live fully surrendered lives—those who say “yes” to God again and again, both in the seen and unseen moments. This year, we are honored to recognize Alicia Crist as our 2025 Staff of the Year. Alicia has been on staff for four years, and her impact has been deeply felt across our community, our programs, and the people we serve around the world.

Alicia’s journey with Surfing The Nations began in the fall of 2021 during one of our largest internships to date, a class of 50 students. From the very beginning, it was clear that something had been stirred in her heart. Inspired by Tom’s first teaching on going into the world and making disciples of all nations, Alicia felt a clear call to return—not just as a participant, but as staff. His radical obedience, passion for God, and love for travel resonated deeply with her, making the decision to follow under that leadership an easy and faith-filled “yes.”

Over the years, Alicia has become known as a true go-getter—hardworking, dependable, and deeply committed to excellence. She brings life and joy into every department she serves, offering both steady leadership and genuine friendship. Alicia has a rare ability to be tender-hearted and loving while also confidently speaking up, offering thoughtful input, and helping move things forward when it matters most. She is the kind of teammate who makes the people around her better simply by showing up fully.

Outside of her roles on staff, Alicia’s passions overflow into the culture of our community. Whether she’s out surfing, capturing moments through photography, playing her guitar in worship, or simply spending quality time with friends, Alicia lives with a contagious joy and authenticity. Her fun, quirky spirit paired with a deep love for God makes her someone others naturally gravitate toward and feel safe with.

We are endlessly grateful for Alicia Crist—for her faithfulness, her willingness to serve, and her wholehearted devotion to the call God has placed on her life. As our 2025 Staff of the Year, we celebrate not just what she does, but who she is. Alicia embodies the heart of Surfing The Nations, and we are honored to run alongside her as she continues to live out the Great Commission with passion, courage, and love.