Kelly O'Brien

Experience

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  U.S. House of Representatives

  Jan 1993 - Jan 1998

  Senior Legislative Assistant, Rep. Gerry Kleczka (D-WI)
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  Partnership for Prevention

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1998

  Director Of Government Affairs

  Launched the Government Relations office; catalyzed the Congressional Prevention Caucus on Capitol Hill.

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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  Apr 1998 - Jun 2002

  Program Analyst, Office of the Director
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  U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)

  Jan 2000 - Jun 2002

  Public Health Policy Advisor
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  American Public Health Association

  Jun 2002 - Nov 2005

  Associate Executive Director, Public Affairs
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  Wilhelm & Conlon Public Strategies

  Nov 2004 - Feb 2006

  Vice President
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  Girls on the Run-Chicago

  Feb 2006 - Mar 2009

  Executive Director

  Tripled revenue in less than two years; doubled the number of program sites/girls served. Race Director for Chicago's largest 5K race (GOTRC-5K), launched and directed a new race in partnership with the Chicago Fire. Initiated and implemented strategic, measurable program growth plan to serve communities in need.

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  United Way of Metro Chicago

  Jun 2009 - Sept 2011

  Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President Corporate Partnerships

  -Launched and led a new business team, developing strategy and approach for securing new corporate partnerships. -Led strategic engagement and integrated marketing to mobilize and drive results. -Oversaw all marketing, media, and volunteer engagement for UWMC, including an in-house creative agency and PR team. One work example - the attached award-winning video was produced on time and under budget.-Expanded awareness and visibility of LIVE UNITED 2020 through creative external partnerships that reached new audiences. For example, the "Go Do Good" campaign with artist Kay Rosen and the Chicago Loop Alliance, an integrated partnership with Microsoft to premiere the documentary "Waiting for Superman," and a thought leader alliance with Northern Trust to launch UWMC's education initiative.-Repositioned UWMC in the community and provided opportunities for donor cultivation. Show less

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  Ideaction Corps, Inc.

  Nov 2011 - Feb 2023

  CEO

  A general contractor for good, Ideaction Corps makes the world better by connecting inspiring ideas for change to passionate talent that can execute, and exceptional professionals to paid work with purpose. Our Corps includes talented agencies, firms and freelancers in all shapes and sizes, with diverse skills and services. Our clients include companies and causes doing good. If you have a project that aims to make a positive social impact, Ideaction Corps can help.Ideaction is a certified B-Corp: http://www.bcorporation.net/ideactioncorps Show less

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  The Kennedy Forum Illinois

  Apr 2014 - Jul 2018

  Executive Director

  The Kennedy Forum is a leadership organization founded by former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy. We work to end stigma and discrimination against those with addiction/mental health challenges, to create a future where brain health is a priority, and to ensure all people are treated with dignity and receive the medical care and supports they need to thrive.-Established and grew this new organization in Illinois, built board, legal structure, staff team, strategic direction, and business plan.Launched in Illinois with an experiential engagement strategy that generated $800K+ revenue in six months.- Built a board and leadership council of 85 influencers in business, health and policy.- Convened, educated and mobilized thousands across nationally and across Illinois through annual meetings, community discussions, mental health first aid trainings, and a monthly speaker series. - Lead significant policy advocacy in the state, working with public officials and stakeholder groups to improve access to mental health and addiction services by advancing parity, ending discrimination and removing barriers to treatment. - Utilized public speaking platforms to advance the mission. For example: https://www.cityclub-chicago.org/video/1208/crisis-in-mental-health-policy-treatment-vs-incarceration Show less

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  UsAgainstAlzheimer's

  Jul 2018 - now

  Vice President, Prevention

  In this role, lead our work with employers and the private sector, via the Business Collaborative for Brain Health. I also engage and equip healthcare providers with the information they need to help promote healthy cognitive aging through Brain Health Academy and work with policymakers to support policies that advance cognitive health and healthy longevity at scale.

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  BrainFutures

  Aug 2018 - Apr 2020

  Strategic Advisor