Kelly earned a bachelor’s of science with honors from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2005 and a master’s of science with honors from Mississippi College in 2007. He is a graduate of the Area Development Partnership’s Leadership Pinebelt and is a member of the Mississippi Economic Council’s Blueprint Mississippi committee, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Mississippi Society of Association Executives.  In addition to professional activities, Kelly also serves as a deacon at Temple Baptist Church and a member of The Gideon’s International, Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Association, the United Way of Southeast Mississippi, Rotary International, and many others.  His areas of professional interest and expertise include healthcare, education, business, technology, economic development, and politics.