Kelly is an expert on issues of development, fundraising, philanthropy, non-profit management and strategic planning. Her ability to forward causes by connecting lead philanthropists to the most pressing of needs has allowed for maximum return on investment for both the donor and the organization. Previously, Kelly was the director of development for the Washington D.C. based Middle East Institute where she focused on developing and cultivating United States-Middle East relations through strategically planned events and programs that served to connect corporations, media, academics, and high profile thought leaders in a think-tank environment. More recently, she created the development department at The Constitution Project, where she helped the organization shift from a foundation based reliance to a more diversified fundraising approach.