Lisa Kelly

Lisa Kelly is a hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience building programs, teams, and operations that support strong communities and sustainable organizations. She is valued for her integrity, collaborative leadership style, and ability to align mission goals with practical, well-managed operations.

Ms. Kelly’s work spans educational, and service-focused organizations, where she has led initiatives involving program delivery, event management, budgeting, and staff development. She brings a steady, thoughtful approach to leadership—one that balances empathy with accountability and mission passion with financial responsibility.

Ms. Kelly’s professional background spans academic and service-focused environments, where she has led programs, events, and teams that prioritize inclusion, connection, and participant experience. Her professional experience includes managing food services at the United States Supreme Court, serving as the National Gallery of Art’s Catering Director, and teaching culinary arts at a leading university in South Korea. 

Ms. Kelly is deeply committed to cultural connection. This is why she volunteers with Asia Families, supporting programs such as Camp Rice and the Korean Culture School that foster belonging, identity, and connection for adoptees and families. This is also why, during her time working in Korea, she volunteered at the orphanage where she spent the first six years of her life.  She is passionate about helping other Korean adoptees and their families.  

Ms. Kelly holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning from George Washington University, a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Emory University, and a degree in Culinary Arts from Scottsdale Community College.

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