Kelln Small

Kelln Small’s professional journey reflects a steadfast dedication to leadership, strategy, and meaningful connection. With over twenty years of experience, she has built a career grounded in integrity and service, excelling in business development, partnerships, and client relations. From her Texas roots to senior roles at nationally recognized organizations, Kelln has demonstrated that authentic leadership lies in balancing results with compassion and vision with authenticity. Her approach to leadership is deeply relational and purpose-driven. Kelln is known for her ability to listen, empathize, and create solutions that serve both people and performance. She believes that growth happens when collaboration replaces competition and that long-term success depends on trust. This philosophy has guided her in building strong teams, fostering loyal partnerships, and implementing efficient systems that promote sustainable progress. For nearly two decades, Kelln served as a Senior Account Executive at First Financial Group of America, where she gained recognition for her insight, innovation, and mentorship. She worked with clients to design and implement complex benefit programs, improve operational workflows, and develop training initiatives that enhanced team performance. Her excellence earned her numerous honors, including Account Manager of the Year and multiple placements on the President’s Honor Roll. At Meritize, Kelln expanded her expertise into higher education and financial partnerships as Partnership Manager II. She collaborated with academic institutions to enhance enrollment processes and strengthen student engagement. Her strategies enhanced communication channels and partner relationships, demonstrating her ability to combine structured problem-solving with empathy and a people-first approach. Kelln’s role as Business Development Manager at Stratus Financial further demonstrated her innovative leadership. She helped expand the company’s market presence, built new client partnerships, and utilized data-driven analysis to refine business processes. By integrating technology with human insight, she strengthened customer satisfaction and organizational alignment in a highly competitive industry. Beyond her professional success, Kelln’s heart for service defines much of her impact. For over fifteen years, she has volunteered with the Lorena Independent School District, the Parent Teacher Organization, and local arts and athletic programs. Her commitment to education and community reflects her belief that leadership extends beyond the workplace to every area of life. A University of Texas graduate with a degree in marketing, Kelln Small combines analytical thinking, creativity, and compassion in all she does. Her leadership continues to inspire collaboration, growth, and trust—proving that genuine connection is the foundation of lasting success.