Kelly Keefe

An award-winning business leader and human resources professional, Kelly is the first female president and CEO in ERC’s 105-year history.

A pioneer in making a flexible work arrangement a success, Kelly knows that great workplaces value both results and people. Under her leadership, ERC has used data to help organizations locally and nationally benchmark their policies, practices, and benefits to remain competitive and attract and retain the best workers.

Through ERC surveys and polls and by keeping a constant pulse on our clients’ needs and industry trends, Kelly sets the vision and overall strategy for all business lines, including training, HR consulting and support, coaching and assessments, and research services.

All of ERC’s services are focused on helping our clients and members build workplaces where employees can be their best selves. She oversees NorthCoast 99, our annual recognition program and event that honors 99 great Northeast Ohio workplaces for top talent. This program has a major impact on the economy by assisting regional employers in attracting, developing, and retaining high-performing individuals.

Kelly believes that people are an organization’s most valuable asset, and each person needs the right tools and training to be successful. She lives out this belief daily by providing our staff with coaching, counseling, and skill assessment.

An active mentor for young professionals, a volunteer in the community, and a philanthropist, Kelly is heavily involved in various nonprofit organizations, committees, and community programs. She is a mentor for College Now and serves as Chair of the Board for Make-a-Wish as well as The Employers Association of America. She also serves on the Diocese of Cleveland Board of Directors.

Kelly is a graduate of the 2020 Leadership Cleveland program, a recipient of the 2023 Smart Business News Progressive Woman Award, a multiple-year recipient of Cleveland Magazine’s Cleveland 500; Ohio Business Magazine, 500 most influential executives, and a YWCA Women of Achievement Award Recipient.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Dayton, where she currently serves on the Parent Leadership Council.