With an array of experience in political campaigns, public policy, and community activism, Kelly Ward joined New Profit Inc. in the summer of 2007 as the Director of America Forward. In this role, Kelly is responsible for managing the America Forward initiative, a non-partisan coalition effort to connect the innovative work of social entrepreneurs with policymakers at the federal level.
Prior to joining New Profit, Kelly worked in issue advocacy, political campaigns, and public policy, including serving as the Executive Director of a 501(c)4 issue advocacy organization, and as the Campaign Manager on a prominent congressional campaign. Kelly has worked on congressional, gubernatorial, and legislative campaigns managing voter contact, community outreach, and volunteer activities. Additionally, Kelly worked in the Office of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, where she advised on several policy areas, coordinated local communications and community outreach activities, and participated in overall strategic planning.
Kelly holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where she was honored as a Catherine B. Reynolds Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship. Kelly was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Arizona. She now lives in Washington, DC.
