Kelly Parsons

Kelly Parsons has deep roots in the Mohawk Valley and has established herself as a community leader and advocate who strives to make the region a better place for all. 

A graduate of Notre Dame High School, Mohawk Valley Community College and The College of Saint Rose, Ms. Parsons advanced her understanding of philanthropy at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She has worked in a variety of fields that have allowed her to have a direct and positive impact on her community, including being a fourth grade and special education teacher. Other involvement includes serving as Senior Vice President of the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area, Director of Development at The Stanley Center for the Arts and as Major Gifts Director at Upstate Cerebral Palsy.

When she is not busy working, Ms. Parsons is volunteering for a number of regional organizations, groups and events. She currently serves on the Slocum-Dickson Foundation Board and has previously served on the boards of the Family Advocacy Center, Mohawk Valley Child Care Center, Mohawk Valley Ballet, the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, First Source Federal Credit Union, the ARC Oneida-Lewis Chapter and Upstate Cerebral Palsy.

Ms. Parsons has also chaired a variety of events, including the 75th Gala for Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, the 2012 CURE Gala and an Irish raffle to benefit the Compassion Coalition. Further, Ms. Parsons was on the Master Plan Launch Committee for the Utica Zoo and was a parent advocate for CSI Meetings in the Mohawk Valley.

Ms. Parsons and her husband, Mike, reside in Utica and have a son, Daniel.