Kelly M. Burns possesses more than 20 years of experience as a leader who brings together diverse entities for the benefit of nonprofit organizations. Wilmington College named her its chief strategy officer in the Office of the President, where she will help strengthen the partnerships, programs and community engagement needed to advance the College’s strategic priorities.
Burns, who started on Oct. 19, comes to WC from the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, where she served as its executive director since 2020. She previously held leadership positions in higher education fundraising and development as major gift officer at Ohio Wesleyan University, director of development with Ohio Northern University’s (ONU) Getty College of Arts & Sciences and as director of annual giving at ONU. Burns is a graduate of Kent State University and holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
President Corey Cockerill said Burns brings an “impressive combination” of experience in higher education, philanthropy and strategic partnership development. “Her deep ties to the agricultural industry, coupled with her ability to connect people and organizations, will be tremendous assets to Wilmington College,” she added. “Kelly will play an important role in strengthening our partnerships, creating new opportunities for our students and community, and advancing our academic mission.”
Burns shared her excitement about joining the Wilmington College community. “I look forward to collaborating with campus leadership, faculty and staff to expand College partnerships that will help to increase student success, enhance the Wilmington experience and prepare students to make meaningful contributions within their communities and future professions."