Alena Croy, MBA, CPFO, CPPO, CPPB, CPO

This month we’re highlighting WPFN Member Alena Croy, MBA, CPFO, CPPO, CPPB, CPO, Systems Analyst for the City of Oklahoma City’s Fire Department.

What Leadership style do you find to be most successful and why?
I find that servant leadership is the most effective style. To me, leadership is about supporting, empowering, and lifting others so they can reach their full potential. It’s essential to understand the needs of your team members, remove obstacles for them, and create a space where their skills and ideas are valued. By leading with a servant mindset, I’ve seen how it builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment where everyone feels a strong sense of ownership and pride in our shared goals. When people know they’re supported, they bring their best to the table—and that’s when truly impactful work happens.

What is a challenge that you had in your career and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges in my career was recognizing and valuing my own worth in the face of repeated disappointment. On two separate occasions, team members were promoted above me. It was a humbling and painful experience, as I had invested deeply in my role and team. Ultimately, I came to realize that life is too short to stay in a place where you are not truly valued. Staying would have meant accepting less than I deserved, so I took the difficult step of leaving a team I truly considered family.

 Now, I’m in a role where my contributions are recognized, my voice is heard, and I enjoy the work-life balance that was missing before. My development matters, and I can do my best work every day. The experience taught me the importance of advocating for myself and knowing when it’s time to move on. I hope my experience encourages others to be brave enough to seek environments where they’re genuinely valued and appreciated. Sometimes, moving forward means leaving behind what you know to create space for what you deserve.

What are your favorite ways to relieve stress and/or decompress?
One of my favorite ways to stay balanced is through triathlon. I train alongside an inspiring group of people who motivate me and keep me grounded—I consider many of them family. They push me to do things I never imagined possible, including qualifying for, and competing at the IRONMAN World Championship last year. Beyond that, spending time with my four wonderful kids and husband brings me endless joy—they’re my biggest supporters.