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Trish Kelly

Trish joined Valley Vision in 2014 as managing director after several years as a consultant to the organization. She oversees Valley Vision’s food and ag economy, 21st century workforce, and broadband strategies. 

Professional Experience

Trish’s vast regional and statewide networks greatly contribute to the growth and vitality of the region. An effective grant writer, Trish helped the region win a coveted federal designation as a food and beverage manufacturing community.

Before coming to Valley Vision, Trish consulted a wide range of clients on economic development, including local jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, councils of governments, workforce development boards, and philanthropic entities. She led several flagship initiatives—including regional-state partnerships—on industry cluster and workforce development, rural policy, infrastructure, and sustainability indicators, including California’s first-ever, region-based indicator report for the California Strategic Growth Council.

Affiliations & Awards

Golden Bear Award for Lifetime Achievement recipient, California Association for Local Economic Development (2017)
Women Who Mean Business Award, Sacramento Business Journal (2017)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, cum laude – Georgetown University
Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – University of Pennsylvania

Interests

Going to my son Harris’ rap concerts. Working with my son Willie on farm-to-fork. Exploring the hidden parts of New York with my son Nick. Swimming in my pool. Taking trips home or abroad with family and friends. Supporting my friends who own wineries (Silt and Turkovich). The people I’ve met through work who have become dear friends. Exploring new restaurants and food entrepreneurs.

Trish’s Top 5 Strengths

  1. Input – Has a craving to know more. Like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
  2. Positivity – Has an enthusiasm that is contagious. Upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
  3. Learner – Great desire to learn and wants to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
  4. Belief – Has certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
  5. Communication – Generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. Good conversationalist and presenter.

CliftonStrengths is a talent assessment tool developed by Gallup to help individuals maximize their unique talents. At Valley Vision, all staff have the opportunity to take this assessment to help better understand their natural strengths and increase our team’s ability for radical collaboration.