KIM KELLY, CAE
WRITE | DESIGN | PUBLISH
I have more than 10 years of professional experience writing, designing and publishing for associations. I’ve planned, edited, designed and published print periodicals; created an award-winning blog; and produced content for collateral across multiple departments. In 2015, I was named a Forty Under 40 recipient by the Association Forum of Chicagoland and USAE. In 2016, I earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.
EXPERIENCE
Owner
Kim Kelly Consulting | June 2017-present
I launched Kim Kelly Consulting in June of 2017. I left my day job to pursue full-time publications consulting. Kim Kelly Consulting offers a range of services, including content strategy, volunteer management, editing, writing and graphic design.
Freelance Designer, Writer & Consultant
Kim Designs | May 2011-June 2017
In 2011, I began a freelance side gig where I helped clients with design, blogging, website development and more. One of the larger projects I worked on was writing blog post for a company that specialized in SEO. I wrote hundreds of blog posts over the course of two and a half years. Here is a selection of projects I’ve completed as a freelancer:
- Created a logo and business cards for local businesses including a photographer, lawyer and a restaurant
- Created a program for a theatrical production
- Wrote web copy for a personal injury lawyer
- Consulted on blogging for a business executive
- Created save-the-dates and wedding invitations
Senior Manager, Publications
The American Student Dental Association | July 2008-June 2017
This position was my third promotion in nine years of work with ASDA. I was responsible for ensuring the timely and quality production of ASDA’s print and digital publications, which included: a monthly print magazine, a blog that publishes three times a week, a monthly e-newsletter and two printed handbooks produced annually. My responsibilities included:
- Oversee publication strategy, art direction, content strategy and production process for ASDA’s print and digital publications.
- Collect and manage incoming media for ASDA’s print and digital publications.
- Oversee and provide art direction to design firm for all publications and collateral.
- Manage relationships with vendors for print publications and collateral. This includes our design firm, print vendors, copy editor and freelance writers.
- Manage Post Office forms and processes for periodicals.
- Staff liaison to Editorial Board made up of eight volunteer dental students. Provide mentorship, journalism training and strategic direction to plan content for ASDA’s magazine and blog.
- Work with other departments to design marketing, sales, meetings and membership collateral.
- Develop and manage publications budget.
- Assist other departments with content creation, writing and style as needed.
Intern
The River Oak Review | 2007-2008
I completed a paid internship for The River Oak Review, a small literary journal published by Elmhurst College’s English department. I assisted in screening hundreds of short fiction and poetry entries. I also created the layout for the 2008 edition of the journal.
Editor
The Leader | 2004-2008
I joined the staff of Elmhurst College’s newspaper, The Leader, as a college freshman. I started as a staff writer and rose to editor of the culture section where I man-aged a staff of 8-10 writers. In my senior year I served as the opinions editor. In this role, I managed a small staff of columnists and took on sole ownership of writing the paper’s editorials. During my time on the paper, I won two statewide article awards from the Illinois College Press Association.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts
Elmhurst College | 2004-2008
I graduated summa cum laude with majors in English literature and Spanish and a minor in art. I was also named English Student of the Year in 2008.
Certified Association Executive | May 2016
I earned my CAE credential in 2016. In order to obtain the CAE credential, candidates are required to have at least five years of association experience, 100 hours of CE and pass an exam that tests professional knowledge on running all aspects of an association.
PUBLICATIONS
Mouthing Off, blog of the American Student Dental Association
In 2010, I created ASDA’s blog, Mouthing Off. Since that time, the blog won a national award, was mentioned by the Washington Post and published more than 1,160 posts by hundreds of dental students. In recent years, the blog has generated revenue through banner ads and sponsored posts. Visit ASDAblog.com to read posts that I’ve authored.
Mouth, Journal of the American Student Dental Association
“Facing burnout & depression in dental school” 2014 | V34 | N4
“Diversity & Dentistry” 2010 | V30 | N2
“Recession Dentistry” 2008 | V28 | N4
FORUM Magazine
“Association Meeting Branding: Give Attendees a Reason to Care” 2012 | V96 | N8
“Social Media Marketing: Secrets to Success” 2011 | V95 | N3
AWARDS
Forty Under 40 Award winner
Association Forum of Chicagoland & USAE | 2015
Power of A Award
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) | 2015
Gold Circle Award for an association blog
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) | 2011
Meskin Award for dental student journalism
American Association of Dental Editors (AADE) | 2015 | 2011
English Student of the Year
Elmhurst College | 2008
PRESS
Washington Post | 2015
Mentioned Mouthing Off as one of three dental blogs worth reading in a health story aimed at the general public.
Forum’s Holiday Showcase | 2014
I spoke on a panel about millennials in the workforce and their role in association management.
FORUM Magazine | 2012
I was interviewed about social media and blogging for associations. My quotes appeared in an article titled “Your Social Media Hopes and Dreams: What to Reach for and Why.”
INVOLVEMENT
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
Member 2015-Present
Association Forum of Chicagoland
Member 2008-2016
Editorial Working Group 2008-2012
Centennial Celebration Task Force 2015
World Vision
Chicago Marathon Team 2010
SKILLS
Strategic Vision
I enjoy looking at the big picture, writing up new project proposals and problem solving. In 2016, I spearheaded an initiative to sunset my association’s two existing print publications and launch a brand new magazine.
Detail Oriented
I’m always editing. It’s a skill that is hard to turn off, just ask my friends and family.
Versatility
I’m strong in several areas: writing, editing, design and managing teams. I enjoy both creative and analytical tasks and I love learning new skills.
TECHNOLOGY
I’m proficient in the following programs: Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Lightroom), WordPress, FinalCut Pro, iMovie, Microsoft Office Suite, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest. I also have experience with several association membership databases and website content management systems.
|References upon request|