Kelly (she/her) is a recognized leader in federal Indian law, tribal economic development, and tribal tax matters.
Kelly previously served as General Counsel for Marine View Ventures, Inc. (the non-gaming economic development arm of the Puyallup Tribe), CEO of Island Enterprises, Inc. (the non-gaming economic development arm of the Squaxin Island Tribe), Legal Department Director for the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, and tribal attorney for the Squaxin Island Tribe. Following retirement from full-time work in September 2020, Kelly serves as Chair of Elwha Enterprises, Inc. (the economic development arm of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe) and does legal and economic development work for tribes on a contract basis.
During her career Kelly has managed a diverse portfolio of enterprises including several gas station/convenience stores, cigarette manufacturing and distribution companies, a seafood company, and business development center with an emphasis on governmental relations, tax, economic development, and employment issues.
Kelly led successful legislative efforts to secure authorization for cigarette and fuel tax compacts in Washington State, and has participated in negotiation of tax rulings, gaming compacts, and government-to-government agreements regarding liquor sales in Indian country.
Kelly is the previous Chair of the National Intertribal Tax Alliance, a former member of the Tribal Convenience Store Association Board of Directors, and a past Chair of the Washington State Bar Association Indian Law Section. She holds an M.P.A. from Evergreen State College and earned her J.D. with honors from the University of Washington School of Law.
In her free time, Kelly is an avid surfer, cyclist, gardener, and traveler.
