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Kelly Dunkin
President/CEO at Community First Foundation
Professional Background
Kelly Dunkin is an accomplished mission-driven executive whose expansive career spans across health, education, and nonprofit sectors. With extensive experience in entrepreneurship and foundation work, Kelly has established herself as a leader capable of driving change and positioning organizations for future success. Her unique ability to connect people and ideas, coupled with her strategic planning and staff development capabilities, has made her instrumental in fostering growth within various organizations.
Throughout her career, Kelly has served in several key roles, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to making impactful changes. As the National Director at 10.10.10, she demonstrated her ability to manage complex projects and lead multi-million dollar budgets effectively. In her previous roles at The Colorado Health Foundation, where she began as a Program Officer and worked her way up to Vice President of Philanthropy, Kelly played a significant role in shaping health initiatives that benefitted communities across Colorado. Furthermore, she served as an Internal Project Coordinator at Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt, where she contributed to the development of educational programs that catered to diverse student populations.
Kelly’s international experience is highlighted by her time as a Rural Primary Teacher Trainer with the Peace Corps, where she not only taught but also empowered local educators to enhance their teaching methodologies and positively impact student learning outcomes.
Education and Achievements
Kelly Dunkin’s educational background is a testament to her dedication to public service and leadership. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, where she gained critical skills in governance, public policy, and organizational management. Additionally, she has participated in an intensive 10-day program on Executive Nonprofit Leadership at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, further honing her leadership capabilities in the nonprofit sector.
Her undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor's degree in English Journalism from Miami University, which equipped her with essential communication and narrative skills integral to her roles in public administration and philanthropy. This combination of education has allowed Kelly to become an effective communicator and persuasive presenter, capable of facilitating dynamic meetings and encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
Notable Achievements
Kelly Dunkin has consistently achieved remarkable results throughout her career. Her leadership in strategic planning and implementation has enabled her to successfully manage organizational growth, nurturing strong teams that meet and exceed their goals. Known for her quick thinking and creative problem-solving abilities, Kelly has tackled complex challenges in diverse environments, making significant contributions to organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
Additionally, through her tenure at The Colorado Health Foundation, Kelly championed numerous health initiatives that have led to sustainable impacts on the health and wellness of many communities. By promoting strategic partnerships and leveraging cross-functional teams, she has fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration that is vital in today's fast-paced and ever-evolving health landscape.
Her service with the Peace Corps is also notable, reflecting her strong commitment to global citizenship and social responsibility. By training rural primary teachers, Kelly demonstrated not just leadership, but also a dedication to education as a pathway to empowerment and community development.
Overall, Kelly Dunkin embodies the qualities of a dedicated leader who is passionate about making a difference. Her journey is characterized by a series of impactful roles, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a genuine desire to bring about positive change in the sectors she serves.
