Kelly Wesley Taylor, JD
Clients often hear Kelly say “You can do it! Now let’s get started!” She lives to energize others into action. Kelly is an activator. She wants to understand the context of a situation, explain why it happened, in order to find solutions to nuanced problems. She has a gift for making the complex seem simple and works best as a hands-on trainer. Kelly also has a strong sense of commitment and is highly motivated to see things carried through to completion. Her work is a way of life, not just a job. In search of significance, Kelly strives for what’s exceptional, what’s excellent and what’s authentic. Mediocrity is her nemesis. Kelly takes risks and gladly meets new challenges. She believes that philanthropy is an expression of our human connectedness.
In her efforts to design a life well lived, Kelly co-founded Trek Advancement in 2009. Trek’s guiding philosophies of good governance, solid leadership, donor-centered fundraising and mission-focused action help clients build sustainable fundraising efforts. Kelly is a planned giving nerd and uses this passion to navigate comprehensive fundraising campaigns. A talented strategic thinker and influencer, Kelly enjoys working with clients to define their strategic goals and help them create their unique roadmap for success. Kelly likes to engage in conversations either one-on-one or with an audience of hundreds.
Relevant Experience
- Current Chair, Redwood Cooperative School Board of Trustees (accredited Pre-K – 8th Grade independent school in Lexington, Kentucky) (volunteer)
- Recent Nominating Committee Chair, Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation (volunteer)
- Past Trustee, Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation Board of Trustees (volunteer)
- Former Research Assistant to Professor Kathy Bean, First Year Legal Writing Course, University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law (student)
Professional and Educational Background
- Founder Trek Advancement
- University Advancement, University of Louisville / James Graham Brown Cancer Center
- Alumni Affairs and Development, Harvard University
- JD, Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville
- BA, Political Science, University of Kentucky
Skills and Services
- Campaign Planning and Execution
- Endowment Building
- Planned Giving Assessment and Program Design
- Strategic Planning
- Training
- Executive Search and Coaching
- Individual and Family Philanthropic Advising
