NSME Dinner - November 11, 2025

"Matching Employer Needs & Employee Expectations: A Data-Driven Perspective for Sales & Marketing Professionals” by Kelly Keefe, President & CEO of ERC

 “In this session, President & CEO of ERC, Kelly Keefe, will use data from thousands of employees to share what they are looking for in today’s workplaces. In addition, this presentation will include benchmarked best practices from leading organizations that contribute to thriving cultures. Organizations that work towards alignment of their culture, policies, and practices are better positioned to reduce turnover and increase engagement. Learn how award-winning organizations are finding ways to attract and retain talent with a spotlight on the importance marketing plays in shaping these efforts.

Bio:

An award-winning business leader and human resources professional, Kelly is the first female president and CEO in ERC’s 104-year history.

A pioneer in making a flexible work arrangement a success, Kelly knows that great workplaces value both results and people. Under her leadership, ERC has used data to help organizations benchmark their policies, practices, and benefits locally and nationally to remain competitive and attract and retain the best workers.

Through the NorthCoast 99 program, Kelly and her team are making a major impact on the Northeast Ohio economy by assisting regional employers in attracting, developing, and retaining high-performing individuals. Kelly manages the NorthCoast 99 program from conception to execution. She creates and communicates the vision, builds sponsorships, and implements best practices. She also serves as the master of ceremonies at the event, which attracts over 700 guests each year.

Kelly is an active volunteer and philanthropist who is heavily involved in various nonprofit organizations, committees, and community programs. She is a mentor for College Now and serves as Chair on the Board of Make-a-Wish. Kelly is a graduate of the 2020 Leadership Cleveland program, and she is a recipient of the 2023 Smart Business News Progressive Woman Award.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Dayton. She is a Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP).