Kelly Johnson
Washington,DC
Summary
Highly skilled and trusted Executive Assistant with 7+ years of experience supporting C-suite and senior leaders in mission-driven environments from state health departments to national nonprofits. Known for seamlessly managing complex calendars, high-stakes meetings, and multi-layered logistics across fast-paced, equity-focused organizations. A strategic partner with a proven ability to anticipate needs, streamline operations, and elevate executive decision-making. Recognized for discretion, precision, and a calm, solutions-oriented approach under pressure.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Executive Office of the Lt. Governor
03.2024 - 06.2025
- Led the development and execution of over 12 high-priority, cross-agency initiatives on issues such as education reform, workforce development, and public health equity, ensuring alignment with the administration’s top 5 strategic goals.
- Advised the Lieutenant Governor on complex policy matters by producing 100+ in-depth briefings, stakeholder analyses, and actionable recommendations annually to inform executive decision-making.
- Oversaw 6 multi-agency working groups and task forces, driving coordination among 15+ cabinet secretaries and external partners to deliver measurable outcomes on statewide initiatives.
- Managed external engagement strategies, cultivating partnerships with over 80 local leaders, advocacy organizations, and philanthropic institutions to expand the impact and visibility of key initiatives.
- Directed the planning and execution of 30+ high-profile events, press announcements, and convenings involving the Lieutenant Governor, ensuring messaging, logistics, and stakeholder participation advanced strategic priorities.
Executive Assistant
Executive Office of the Governor
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor, supporting oversight of a cross-agency portfolio including MDOT, MDA, MDE, MDH, MDEM, and MSDE.
- Coordinated and streamlined daily operations, managing the DCoS complex schedule and facilitating over 50 high-level meetings monthly with internal stakeholders, cabinet secretaries, and federal/state partners.
- Oversaw logistics for all travel and public engagements, including interagency field tours, national conferences, and emergency response activities, ensuring thorough preparation and alignment with strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated closely with agency teams to coordinate logistics for Governor-attended events, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with executive messaging.
- Drafted briefing memos, policy summaries, and agency updates that informed executive decision-making on issues ranging from infrastructure resilience to public health equity.
- Maintained a 95%+ rate of early or on-time delivery for all materials, ensuring the DCOS was consistently prepared for engagements related to transportation, environment, education, agriculture, and emergency management.
Executive Assistant to Director, Youth Empowerment
Park Heights Renaissance (PHR)
09.2020 - 01.2023
- Provided high-level administrative and programmatic support to the Director of Youth Empowerment, contributing to initiatives serving over 300 young people annually in Baltimore’s Park Heights community.
- Managed logistics, scheduling, and communications for community forums, mentorship events, and workshops with attendance ranging from 25 to 150 participants.
- Supported grant reporting and donor engagement activities, helping sustain a $1.2M annual budget for youth development programming.
- Collaborated with city agencies, school leaders, and nonprofit partners to align outreach strategies and program delivery.
- Developed reports, presentations, and outreach materials that contributed to the successful acquisition of two new community grants.
Executive Assistant, Social Impact & Partnerships
Feeding America
04.2019 - 05.2020
- Provided high-level administrative and strategic support to the Vice President of Social Impact, managing a fast-paced calendar with 30+ weekly engagements.
- Orchestrated complex domestic travel for senior leaders, overseeing logistics for 40+ multi-city trips annually.
- Planned and coordinated donor and partner briefings with 20+ national organizations, ensuring seamless execution and effective follow-up.
- Maintained and updated CRM records for over 150 philanthropic partners, supporting consistent and timely cross-team communication.
- Streamlined internal workflows, increasing team efficiency and reducing administrative turnaround times by 20%.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Communication
University of Towson
Towson, MD05-2017
Skills
- Executive Calendar & Travel Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Donor Coordination
- Event & Convening Logistics
- Briefings & Strategic Communications
- Cross-Functional Team Support
- Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Zoom
- Salesforce
Certification
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) – International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) – Microsoft
Timeline
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Executive Office of the Lt. Governor
03.2024 - 06.2025
Executive Assistant
Executive Office of the Governor
03.2023 - 03.2024
Executive Assistant to Director, Youth Empowerment
Park Heights Renaissance (PHR)
09.2020 - 01.2023
Executive Assistant, Social Impact & Partnerships
Feeding America
04.2019 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Business Communication
University of Towson
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