Catherine J Kelly is a strategic planning and business development professional with a strong focus on the non-profit community and the LGBTQIA+ sports industry. Catherine has over three decades of public relations, cause marketing, branding, strategic planning and business development experience. She has worked with startups, global 500 corporations, entrepreneurs and small businesses, ensuring their marketing and business development tactics align with the core values and business’ strategic plan. She brings a business perspective to her work with non-profit organizations and encourages them to recognize the effectiveness of short- and long-term planning — and the successes that follow — if everyone in the organization understands the shared vision. Previously, Catherine was the Vice President of Community Services for the Archer Foundation. She worked with select non-profits in the Kansas City community as a volunteer and advisor, helping them to set and achieve their strategic and business development goals. Her board service includes Sports Equality Foundation Board, Connect Sports LGBT Diversity Advisory Council, Experience Grand Rapids Client Advisory Board and Strategic Advisor for the One KC for Women Alliance. She formerly served as Business Development Director, North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA); Board Engagement Chair, Child Protection Center in Kansas City; Connect Sports Marketplace Advisory Council; Connect Sports LGBT Task Force; and Vice President/Supplier Diversity Chair, Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Accolades include the Beth K. Smith award for her work with the Women’s Employment Network, the LGBT Chamber Board Service award for co-founding the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the NAGAAA Service and Leadership award for a decade of commitment to the organization, 2019 NAGAAA Gay Softball Hall of Fame inductee, 2020 Connect Sports Game Changers honoree and 2022 KC Royals Pride Night Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat honoree for her impact on the Kansas City community.