Ms. Noel is an experienced operations executive with a track record of leading large, complex programs and strengthening organizational performance. She brings significant expertise in operational strategy, engineering management, and enterprise scale execution — skills that support efficiency, alignment, and long-term growth.
Kelly joined Nelson-Rudie in early 2026 to lead firmwide operations during a period of major expansion, overseeing processes that connect teams, elevating delivery, and positioning the firm to pursue new opportunities with discipline and consistency. As vice president of operations, she supports practice leaders, guides operational planning, and plays a central role in building the firm’s ownership culture and ESOP value.
Kelly’s career includes leadership roles overseeing national engineering and store operations across more than 1,900 locations, complemented by strong ties to both the Minneapolis–St. Paul and the Kansas City region. She enjoys mentoring emerging leaders, exploring Midwest communities, and spending time with family — especially when travel, good coffee, or a great bookstore is involved.
- National Society of Black Engineers
- Society of Women Engineers
- HOBBIES: Anything outside, hosting dinners and parties for friends and family, reading, biking, and model house building
- FAVORITE TV SHOW: Right now, Landman
- FAVORITE MOVIE: Pulp Fiction
- FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Hawaii
- HOMETOWN: Wyandotte County in Kansas City, KS
- KEY RESPONSIBILITIES YOU HANDLE DAILY?: Guiding firmwide operations — working closely with practice leaders and project teams, ensuring that we are organized, have the right processes and communication structure in place to respond to our daily needs, as well as being prepared for us to scale and WIN!
- HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?: Success is when we have operational clarity, consistency, and predictability. Leadership is in alignment, our team is engaged, and everyone can see and feel how they contribute to our overall success.