Jacksonville, AL –Kelli J. Holmes recently been appointed to the staff of Jacksonville State University in the position of Associate Vice President, Philanthropy. A proud student of JSU and returning to her former school after a stint at JSU’s University of Montevallo, where she served as the head of development for the executive department as well as the adjunct faculty of marketing at the Michael E. Stephens College of Business.
Holmes. Alan Medders, Vice President of Philanthropy expressed excitement over Holmes her arrival, pointing out her passion in philanthropy and her performance in fundraising. She highlighted her accomplishments in the development and implementation of efficient fundraising strategies. Medders believes that her experience in managing donor relationships, managing teams of different functions, and in executing campaigns will significantly contribute to growing the amount of philanthropy that is raised in the Jax State. Jax State.
Born in Pelham, Alabama, Holmes graduated with a BA in communication at Jax State in 2000. Her professional career began with the field of public relations with O2ideas in which she worked for seven years prior to being hired by Easter Seals of Birmingham as director of marketing and development. After serving as director of outreach for employers for the University of Alabama at Birmingham She joined in the University of Montevallo in 2015.
Holmes accomplishments in her time at Montevallo included securing the school’s largest cash donation of $1 million, in the second and third biggest planned gifts that totaled $3.5 million. She also managed an investment campaign of $32 million and co-wrote a seven-year $25 million Gaining early Awareness as well as Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR Up) grant.
In her new position in her new position at JSU, Holmes oversees fundraising as well as alumni relations and communications initiatives. Holmes works with all the university departments and colleges, providing an overall direction and guidance in fundraising and communications initiatives that are customized to the individual requirements.
In expressing her excitement at returning to her old school, Holmes stated, “I’m delighted to be returning to my school of choice as associate vice-president for charitable giving, a job which will allow me to contribute back to the institution that has shaped my career.” Holmes emphasized the fact that her previous 23 years of life helped her get this job and she’s thrilled to play a role in the growth and development of the institution that is close her heart.
Alongside her bachelor’s degrees in JSU, Holmes holds an MBA from the University of Montevallo and a certificate in management of nonprofits from UAB. In her commitment to giving back to communities, Holmes is currently serving as chair of the City of Helena Economic Development and Industrial Board. In addition, she has leadership roles in organisations that provide affordable mental health services and child-focused initiatives, like fighting human trafficking and enhancing the standard of living for children living in poverty.
