From Brendan Flores, National Chairman:

It is with immense pride that I announce that Kelly Ilagan will be rejoining our National Executive Board as our Chief Strategy Officer. As many of you know, Kelly previously served as National Operations Officer and was a member of the Board of Trustees. Currently, she is Executive Advisor for External Affairs and Operations for mySilicon Compass, a strategic consulting firm that engages clients seeking to advance their technological competitiveness; grow international sales and market share; create, foster, and expand public-private technology partnerships; and expand jobs, advanced manufacturing, and research and development investments in emerging growth sectors in the United States. She is also the President and CEO of KAI Strategies, LLC that provides export solutions to small and medium-sized companies, and specialized strategies to navigate the federal government trade promotion landscape.

She returns after serving in multiple capacities in the Trump administration. In 2017, she joined the Office of Presidential Personnel as Deputy Associate Director. Later in that year, she joined the U.S. Department of Commerce, initially as Director of the White House Liaison Office, then as Senior Advisor for External Affairs in Global Markets, International Trade Administration.

Prior to federal service, Ms. Ilagan held several senior roles as an intergovernmental affairs professional. She previously was the Deputy Director of Public Affairs to the State Treasurer of Ohio, serving as a lead liaison for local governments, organizations, and small and medium-sized businesses. She also served as a Constituent Relations Coordinator for former U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-8). She started her career with the Michigan Legislature and Governor’s office in public affairs and coalition building.

Kelly brings with her the wealth of experience she gained in the four years she was away from NaFFAA, as well as from her previous work with us as the National Operations Officer, which positions her as an integral cog in our current and future endeavors. I have certainly been reenergized by the conversations I have had with Kelly in preparation for her return. I am confident that with her help, we can strengthen our alliances and partnerships, as well as better implement our organization's plan for success now, and in the future. Please join me in welcoming back Kelly!