Kim Kelly, Executive Director
Founder, Executive Director
The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation
Type of Business: Charitable foundation
Major Products and Services: Dedicated to raising language, literacy and numeracy standards in Australia; Raising of funds to develop, implement and sustain innovative projects for individuals, families and communities
Marketing Area: National
Years in Position: 12
Years in Profession: 12
Day-to-Day Responsibilities: Developing and implementing high-level strategies; Making corporate decisions; Managing the overall operations and resources of the foundation
Expertise: Business
Educational Background: Diploma in Graphic Design and Fashion Design; Higher School Certificate, New South Wales
Philanthropy: Child Sponsor, World Vision; Various Other Charities
What do you attribute your success to? She attributes her success to running a transparent organization and delivering excellent sustainable programs, in addition to being passionate about helping people in Australia's most marginalized communities access the vital literacy and numeracy skills they need.
How did you get involved in your profession? She became involved in her profession after a current affairs program aired a story about the successful work of her business partner, Mary-Ruth Mendel, and their office was inundated with more than 3,000 phone calls from distraught parents and community members wanting to help children and adults who were struggling to read at even the most basic level. In response, Ms. Kelly and Ms. Mendel began their journey to establish a charity that could properly and equitably assist people in need of literacy support. They established the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation in 1999.
What do you consider to be the highlight of your career? The highlights of her career include meeting government ministers and officials, being invited to "The Lodge" for afternoon tea with the prime minister's wife, and having the governor of New South Wales as Vice Regal Patron. The most gratifying aspect of her career is more significant, however; helping children and communities write their own futures.
Where will you be in five years? In five years, Ms. Kelly will continue to provide good service.
Hobbies/Interests/Sports: Spending time with her family