Welcome Kathleen Kelly

We’re excited to welcome Kathleen Kelly to the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance (KYOSA) team as our new KYOSA Director!

Kathleen is a nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience strengthening mission-driven organizations through strategic leadership, systems development, and relationship-centered management. Her work spans statewide nonprofit networks, higher education institutions, and community-based organizations, with a focus on helping organizations navigate growth, leadership transitions, and complex stakeholder environments.

Kathleen has held leadership and advisory roles with the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and the Kentucky CASA Network, where she coached executive directors, strengthened HR and governance practices, and supported nonprofits across Kentucky in building sustainable systems and strong community partnerships. She has also worked with the University of Louisville and the University of Virginia, leading cross-campus collaborations to implement large-scale prevention and student support initiatives.

As KYOSA Director, Kathleen will lead efforts to strengthen and grow Kentucky’s out-of-school time ecosystem. In this role, she will cultivate statewide partnerships with schools, childcare providers, community organizations, policymakers, funders, and coalitions to expand the reach, visibility, and impact of afterschool and summer learning opportunities across the Commonwealth. She will also help align statewide efforts, identify emerging opportunities, and position KYOSA for long-term growth as a trusted convener and leader in the OST space.

Kathleen is known for bringing structure to vision and building practical systems that support people, programs, and long-term sustainability. A results-oriented, action-driven leader and strong relationship builder, she leads with clarity, empathy, and accountability while keeping organizations rooted in their mission and the communities they serve.

KYOSA is part of the Mott Foundation’s 50 State Afterschool Network, working to increase access to high-quality afterschool, summer, and expanded learning opportunities across Kentucky through partnership development, policy advancement, and program quality support.

Please join us in giving Kathleen a warm welcome to the KYOSA/Partners For Change family! We’re excited for the leadership and vision she brings to KYOSA and the youth-serving community across the Commonwealth!