Kara J. Kelley
Kara Kelley is a proven CEO with expertise in business and non-profit strategy as well as significant marketing and organizational leadership skills. She earned her reputation as a tireless advocate for free enterprise. As president of The Kelley Company, she advises diverse companies on branding, business strategy and organizational development.
Ms. Kelley is former CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce (LVCC), the third largest metropolitan chamber in the nation. Under her leadership, LVCC became Nevada’s most influential business association and the recognized industry leader. Ms. Kelley achieved revenue growth of more than 40%, and her successful marketing sales effort, including recruitment and benefit initiatives, led to member growth of more than 30%. Ms. Kelley instituted a program of internal controls, zero-based budgeting practices and management information improvements. She created a for profit subsidiary, Chamber Insurance & Benefits, LLC, with revenues in excess of $1,000,000, to manage a health care program for LVCC’s 7,000 members.
During her tenure, Ms. Kelley built relationships with key stakeholders and industry leaders to forge mutually-beneficial partnerships including community infrastructure and education investment. She was successful serving disparate groups including entrepreneurs, small business owners, mature companies and industry leaders. She has expertise in board governance and non-profit management.
Her initiatives earned the Chamber acclaim including “Best Places to Work in Nevada” and top industry honors for website and other programming. Ms. Kelley has received recognition including selection as one of the most influential women in Las Vegas’ 100 year history and as one of Nevada’s “Most Respected CEOs.”
Ms. Kelley was one of only 120 business leaders to be invited by President Barack Obama to participate in his 2009 Jobs Summit. She has authored 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.
During her 14-year tenure at LVCC, Ms. Kelley also served as chief operating officer, senior vice president, government affairs vice president and research director. Other prior experience includes positions as state legislative lobbyist, graduate teaching assistant, campaign manager and account executive.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA (UNLV) Las Vegas, Nevada
M.A., Political Science, with honors 1998
B.A., Political Science, with distinction 1992
B.A., Communications, with distinction
Dean’s list, honor society member, student government judicial member, newspaper reporter, Congressional fellowship recipient and several scholarship awards
OTHER EDUCATION
Accredited Chamber Executive, Western Association of Chamber Executives
Aspen Institute Fellow
Center for Creative Leadership, Leadership at the Peak
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Board Member
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Former Director & Policy Committee Member
Western Association of Chamber Executives, Former Chairman & Board Member
American Chamber of Commerce Executives, Former Board Member
VOLUNTEER AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES
Nevada Board of Museums and History, Gubernatorial-Appointed Board Member
The Mob Museum, Board & Financial Committee Member
Three Square (So. Nevada’s Food Bank), Board & Development Committee Member
UNLV – College of Liberal Arts Advisory Committee, Board Member
Inaugural “Start Up Weekend,” Las Vegas, Mentor
NV Governor Jim Gibbons’ Business & Industry Transition Team, Former Chairman
One.org, Former Nevada Chairman
United Way of Southern Nevada, Former Board Member
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
One of 70 YPO “Circle Champions,” chosen worldwide in a partnership with Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In initiative
“Top 100 Most Influential Women in Las Vegas History,” LV Centennial Committee
“Most Respected CEO” and “Top 40 Under 40,” Nevada Business Journal
“Most Influential Businesswoman of the Year,” In Business magazine
“Executive of the Year,” Western Association of Chamber Executives
UNLV “Alumnus of the Year,” College of Liberal Arts (2010)