AWARDS
KARA J KELLEY
Kara J. Kelley has proven expertise in organizational leadership, business and political strategy, and marketing. She has achieved results through a collaborative approach and is a passionate advocate for business and free enterprise. As president of The Kelley Company, she advises companies and individuals on branding, business strategy and organizational development. TKC also offers consulting and training in the following areas: leadership; culture change; non-profit management and governing boards; executive coaching; government & community relations; and retreat facilitation.
Ms. Kelley served executive director for the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission, overseeing the State of Nevada’s 150th anniversary of statehood, raising more than $1.5 million in non-tax contributions. Nevadans enjoyed more than 500 events, contributed to dozens of legacy projects and established an official world record for “most people singing their state song at once.”
Ms. Kelley is a former, and the first female, CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce (LVCC). Under her leadership LVCC became the third largest metropolitan chamber in the nation, with a membership of more than 7,000, Nevada’s most influential business association and the recognized industry leader. She achieved revenue growth of more than 40% and her successful marketing and sales effort, led to member growth of more than 30%. Her initiatives earned the Chamber acclaim including “Best Places to Work in Nevada” (In Business), “Most Respected CEO” (Nevada Business Journal), and top industry honors for website and other programming.
Ms. Kelley is a noted public speaker and has authored numerous opinion columns, hosted a business radio show and conducted hundreds of media interviews internationally, nationally and locally, including interviews for The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Travel Channel.
She holds various community leadership positions including serving as a gubernatorial
appointee on the Colorado River Commission, the boards for Three Square food
bank, The National Museum of Law Enforcement and Organized Crime and
University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ College of Liberal Arts Advisory Committee.
Ms. Kelley received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in political science
from the UNLV.
Included in her awards and recognitions: “Top 100 Most Influential Women in Las Vegas History” (Las Vegas Centennial Committee), “Most Influential Businesswoman of the Year” (In Business), “Executive of the Year” (Western Association of Chamber Executives), and “UNLV Alumnus of the Year” (College of Liberal Arts).
Ms. Kelley and her husband Paul Larsen live in Las Vegas with their two rescue beagles.
ABOUT
SKILLS
Public & Keynote Speaking
Persuasive Communication
Leadership Development
Coaching Executives
Group Training
Motivational Speaking
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Center for Creative Leadership, Leadership at the Peak
Aspen Institute, Fellow
FBI Citizens Academy, Graduate
VOLUNTEER & CIVIC ACTIVITIES
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CURRENT VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:
Three Square (So. Nevada’s Food Bank) – Board & Finance Committee Member,
Former Development Committee Member
The National Museum of Organized Crome & Law Enforcement – Board and
Finance Committee Member
UNLV – College of Liberal Arts Advisory Committee – Board Member
FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association – Member
Nellis Air Force Base support team – Member
Chaine des Rotisseurs - Member
FORMER VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:
One.org – Nevada chair
Inaugural Las Vegas “Start-up Weekend” – mentor
United Way of Southern Nevada – board member
National Charity League – member
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Current:
YPO-WPO, Int'l – Member, Former Board Member, International Event Co-chair
Colorado River Commission – Gubernatorial-Appointed Commissioner
International Women’s Forum – Member
Former:
Nevada Board of Museums & History - Gubernatorial-Appointed Board Member
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority – Director and Policy Committee Member
Nevada Commission on Cultural Affairs - Gubernatorial-Appointed Commissioner
Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons’ Business & Industry Transition Team - Chairman
Western Association of Chamber Executives – Chair and Board Member
American Chamber of Commerce Executives – Board Member
