Kelly Ellison, Director of Development

My best arts memory... Seeing the Cirque du Soleil ‘O’ live in Las Vegas. It was one of the most transporting experience I’ve ever had. It was so beautiful, touching and inspiring all at the same time.  

 

A quote I love… "Remember to play after every storm,” by Mattie Stepanek, the young poet and peacemaker who wrote the series of Heartsongs books inspiring others to create a world of peace.

If I were an instrument, I would be… Mandolin, I appreciate the folksy aspect to this very sophisticated instrument.

My favorite artist is… Torvill & Dean the 1984 Pairs Figure Skating team who won the Gold Medal for their extraordinary performance of Bolero.

I am inspired by… my husband Gregory, who always sees the positive side of the world.

Kelly brings with her more than 20 years of experience in management and leadership in the nonprofit sector. Kelly holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Rockhurst Executive Fellows Program in Kansas City, MO. She has been president and CEO of two nonprofit organizations as well as serving as vice president of marketing and development for a national nonprofit organization. In addition, she is co-author of The Youth Action Agenda, A Cooperative Model for Environmental Leadership, an environmental curriculum for high school students and their teachers. She serves as a member of the scholarship committee for the Rosalyn Carter Institute’s Intergenerational Caregivers Scholarship Award and is also a member of the board of governors to the We Are Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in New York City.

Kelly's husband, Gregory, is an elementary school teacher. They live in Kansas City, MO with their 2-year-old daugther, Maya Grace. They enjoy visiting the zoo and Wonderscope Children's Museum. They also enjoy figure skating.

816.994.9232
Ellison@artskc.org

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