Kelli Lynn Jones

Kelli L. Jones, MS Class of 2008 Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Nominated Position: President
Nominated by: Jonna LaGrone-Haynes and Philip A. Pratt
Degree Earned: BS Health Science | Year Awarded: 2008
Current HUAA Role: HUAA VP Membership & Engagement

Professional Achievements & Service

Kelli Jones is a servant leader, strategist, and proud Howard University alumna running for President of the Howard University Alumni Association with a clear vision for this moment: Bison Forward. One Howard. Bound by Legacy, Driven by Impact. 

Kelli currently serves as Vice President of Membership and Engagement for the Howard University Alumni Association and previously served in several elected leadership positions within Howard University Alumni Club of Dallas-Fort Worth. In these roles, she has focused on strengthening alumni connection across generations, modernizing engagement, expanding access to resources, and building partnerships that benefit both alumni and students. Her leadership reflects a deep respect for Howard’s legacy paired with an unwavering commitment to results. 

Professionally, Kelli is a Global Clinical Trial Leader at AbbVie with more than 14 years of experience leading complex global clinical trials in Neuroscience and Oncology. Her work centers around operational excellence, cross functional leadership, governance, and accountability, as well as advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research. She brings this same discipline and systems thinking to alumni leadership. 

Kelli is also the Co-Founder and Chief Operating & Visionary Officer of The HBCU Project Foundation, where she leads strategy, operations, and partnerships to expand access to HBCUs for high school aged students through scholarships, enrichment programming, and community engagement. This work embodies Bison Forward in action by strengthening community through legacy, expanding access through connection, and driving measurable impact. 

She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she continues to lead with purpose, integrity, and execution. 

Kelli believes the Alumni Association must be connected, accessible, and accountable—united in purpose and ready to move Bison forward together, as One Howard.

Why the Candidate is Well-Suited

She is the recipient of HUAA/DAR 2023 Presidents Award, 2024 Club President of the Year, CUP Leader, Co-creator of DFW Area 2023 HBCU College Fair, Co-creator of Bison in The South Regional event. She has served as President, Vice President, and Community Service Chair for one of the largest local Alumni Clubs, Dallas/FW area and is currently serving as National VP 9 Membership & Engagement; has served in leadership roles with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, possesses great project management skills.

Additional Context

“Kelli served as a CUP under my role as Region V Chair, I have worked closely with her on Bison in the South regional event and Essence Fest events with Club Louisiana.”

“Kelli has been phenomenal in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has served as a past President prior to transitioning to VP M&E”