Forty Under 40: Kelly Kemp

Kelly Kemp, 38, has a face people in Northwest Arkansas recognize. She uses the recognition she receives from her 15-year career as a news anchor with KFSM, Channel 5, to further the goals of the Jones Center for Families.

As chief advancement officer, Kemp is responsible for the center’s fundraising and public relations. She develops and nurtures relationships with donors and sponsors.

She attributes much of her success to Bud Edwards, a consultant who has more than 30 years experience in advancement. She also cites love of her work.

Along with the rest of the Jones Center advancement team, Kemp has been responsible for raising more than a million dollars in the year that she has been there. Since she has been with the Jones Center, every event at the center now has a sponsor.

She plans to increase the annual fund each year and hopes to establish a planned giving program. She stresses that the team deserves much of the credit for the advancement program’s success.

Kemp earned a degree in liberal and fine arts from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

She is a Springdale Rotarian and a member of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.