Kelly Schwinghammer Connolly

About Kelly Schwinghammer Connolly

Oversee external affairs for a national nonprofit organization focused on securing federal and state climate solutions that create good jobs and build a more equitable economy, including most recently leading the effort to secure enactment of the historic Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest investment in addressing climate change-Lead strategic and annual planning for organization, including engagement of a complex governing structure, developing and evaluating metrics for success, managing programs and people, strengthening internal communications, and assembling teams to achieve organizational objectives-Extensive experience in communications and public affairs; possess a unique understanding of the issue and political landscape surrounding climate change and sustainability, and have storied background in national, state, and local media outreach and placement, crisis communications, and developing and executing national communications plans that include message development, branding, earned media, and paid advertising.

Experience

1. Executive Vice President

   Bluegreen Alliance

   May 2015 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   Led external affairs, including work to advance policy and legislation at the federal and state levels, most recently to manage the campaign for an economic recovery that achieves jobs, climate, and equity gains- Developed and executed strategic plans for national nonprofit organization, engaging a multitude of stakeholders in a broad assessment; developing annual organization-wide work plans and identifying milestones and tracking progress toward annual and four-year goals- Managed executive team, improving internal alignment among people and programs, identifying capacity needs, and developing new positions- Managed communications, legislative, and field departments and their staff, working with organizational leads to set strategic direction, develop work plans, and measure progress.

Education

• St. Olaf College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

  1997 — 2001