Elizabeth A. Kelley
Liz Kelley has more than 20 years of public relations experience in the non-profits, virtual and brick and mortar pr agencies, corporate, grassroots politics and consultancy sectors. With a reputation built on integrity, professionalism, humor and effectiveness, she is known for her ability to influence outcomes by working with diverse constituencies to shape consensus and build collaborations.
A few of Liz’s diverse activities include promoting destination travel, luxury ski & golf resorts with restaurants and spas; accentuating private fine catering and chefs; preparing for national trade show events; highlighting upscale merchants in a rural historic district; developing guest packages, shopping and heritage tours; supporting agritourism and culinary tourism; assisting in the launch of a local art museum’s new brand and publicizing its major exhibits; overseeing weddings, concerts, special events, fundraisers and retail grand openings.
Other talents include wordsmithing and media relations. Liz crafts press materials, marketing collateral, social media content, bylines, newsletters, email marketing, executive summaries, CEO messages and talking points. Her media hits include Armed Forces Television, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, New York Daily News, Newport Life, Providence Business News, Providence Journal, Sherman’s Travel, The Atlanta Constitution, The Boston Globe, The Dallas Morning News, The Denver Post, The New Hampshire Union Leader, Toronto Sun, Town & Country, Travel & Leisure, WCVB-TV Chronicle, Yankee Magazine and local network affiliates
Liz worked diligently with RI Sierra Club on federal legislation regarding the California Desert Protection Act, reauthorization of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act and protecting local green spaces. She had a lead role in developing national and local policy issues, political endorsements, advising congressional campaigns and directing public forums. She was one of the founders and promotions director of RI Earth Day; and also promoted a local chapter of Amnesty International.
As communications manager of a premier, multi-million dollar historic special events venue, Liz rebranded the site to integerate all of the exemplary features of the magnificent waterfront mansion and estate. She also established connections with several historical and preservation organizations, and created and directed public events that opened the private property to more than one thousand guests. Her ambitious new business model created tremendous goodwill in the community and ended its debut year as the mansion’s most profitable in 30 years.
Liz was the Rhode Island media relations contact for the historic 2015 L’Hermione Tall Ship voyage from France to various ports along the East Coast of America, commemorating the 1780 transatlantic voyage of General Lafayette. She assisted in attracting 3,500 weekend visitors on board the ship and securing media coverage.
Recently, she was account manager at a Rhode Island PR agency, where she oversaw donations and events throughout the Northeast for a private foundation, including thousands of books for 20 school districts, liaising with state and municipal officials; she also established connections with more than 200 regional military organizations for clothing donations. Liz coordinated nine grand openings in several states for a large retailer; and promoted Honor Flight New England.
Today, in addition to freelancing, Liz works at Preservation Society of Newport, where she joins fellow history and decorative arts guides in welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world, as they tour these architectural gems of the Gilded Age, filled with history and antiques.
Liz received a bachelor’s degree from University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree in Public Relations from Boston University.