Cindy Kelly | Communications Manager
As communications manager at the Kansas Leadership Center, Cindy Kelly works across teams to shape and execute communications strategies that advance KLC’s mission. She partners on campaigns supporting leadership development, civic information, research and civic engagement, ensuring messaging reflects KLC’s leadership framework and resonates with diverse audiences. Cindy also strengthens internal communication systems and brings a data-informed approach to digital strategy and marketing performance.
Her career spans advertising, nonprofit leadership, global association management and independent consulting. Before joining KLC, she managed online communications for clients in nonprofit, senior living, hospice and hospitality sectors. Earlier, she supported the unification of three organizations into one as communications coordinator for the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church. Across roles, she is known for bringing clarity to complexity and helping groups navigate change with steadiness and momentum.
Deeply engaged in civic life, Cindy has served on the boards of NonprofitGO, the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro, Wichita Professional Communicators, Kansas Interfaith Action and the Music Theatre Wichita Guild. She cares about public discourse, democratic participation and designing systems that invite more people into meaningful civic engagement. She is drawn to moments when uncertainty requires presence, clear thinking and the courage to engage what is difficult.
Cindy earned a B.A. in International Studies and French from Wichita State University and pursued graduate-level studies in human factors psychology and communications. She remains proficient in French and can follow bits of Spanish and Italian – especially if you speak slowly. A lifelong learner, she is especially interested in mental health, self-awareness and how people navigate adaptive change.
Outside of work, Cindy gravitates toward Pilates studios, theatre seats and plane tickets – most often when it leads to time with her adult children, Wella and Daniel. She’s rarely without a new idea to explore.
