Kelly has a long career in Connecticut public schools where she served in leadership positions for nearly 30 years.  She served as principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent retiring in 2022 after seven years as superintendent in Mansfield, CT.   In her work she focused on systemic improvement efforts designed to develop in students the knowledge, skills, and understandings necessary for success in a rapidly changing global environment. She has long been an advocate for collaborative leadership that seeks to empower all members of the learning organization. Along with her work in public schools, Kelly has served on boards and commissions for several state, national, and international organizations.  She also was an adjunct professor in the educational leadership department at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut where she currently serves as coordinator of the Executive Leadership Program preparing school administrators for the role of superintendent.  Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Boston College, a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in School Psychology, a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership and a certificate from the Executive Leadership Program all from the University of Connecticut.  She was awarded the Emeritus Award for outstanding service from the Connecticut Association of School Superintendents in 2022.