Executive Director, Serve Colorado

John Kelly is the Executive Director of Serve Colorado, the state’s leader in national service and volunteerism. With over 25 years of experience in public service, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, John is a passionate advocate for using national service to strengthen communities and create career pathways across Colorado.

Under his leadership and through numerous partnerships, Serve Colorado has more than doubled its AmeriCorps programs, expanding their impact and creating career pathways while addressing critical community needs. John has been a strong proponent of creating an AmeriCorps for All and integrating service with quality credentials and Registered Apprenticeships, ensuring that service members gain transferable skills that launch people into critical and liveable careers.

Key initiatives launched during his tenure include the Youth Mental Health Corps, Colorado Climate Corps, and the COVID Containment Response Corps—each providing participants with hands-on experience in education, healthcare, and environmental sectors while many earning industry-recognized credentials.

John’s leadership has earned multiple accolades, including the 2023 Community Change Maker Award from Colorado Youth for a Change, the 2022 Outstanding Commission Executive Director Award from America’s Service Commissions, and the 2021 ASC Outstanding Service Program Award for the COVID Containment Response Corps.

Career Background

Prior to Serve Colorado, John served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), where he played a key role in expanding AmeriCorps and securing funding for national service programs. He also worked in the Obama Administration at the White House Domestic Policy Council, focusing on national service, anti-poverty initiatives, education, and faith-based initiatives.

John’s career also includes serving as Vice President at Generous, a civic-tech startup focused on democratizing philanthropy, and co-directing the Emerson National Hunger Fellows Program at the Congressional Hunger Center, where he helped train the next generation of anti-hunger leaders.

Leadership & Vision

John is committed to making national service a powerful tool for community empowerment and career advancement. His work at Serve Colorado continues to reshape how Coloradans engage with service, ensuring that AmeriCorps programs provide not just meaningful community impact, but also pathways to careers.