• The Garden Lab, LLC. (2023-present)
• Plant a seed. (2023-present)
• Green Spirit Garden Design (1995-2018)
• The Rochester Civic Theatre (2004-2007)
• Kelly Rae, Inc. (1988-1991)

Education:

• M.S. Leadership Education, Winona State University. Thesis: Leading Change in Fresh Food Access: Increasing Food Security Through Urban Agriculture Research: Toward Sustainable Design: applied design mechanisms and ecosystem failure - a case study of green waterways and bioswales
• B.A. Individualized Studies, Winona State University, Winona, MN
• College of Design - The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN
• A.S. Apparel Design/Manufacturing, El Centro College, Dallas, TX

Community Activities

• Eastside Neighborhood Association - former President
• Olmsted County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program - former Chair and Leadership Team
• The Seed Library at Rochester Public Library - Co-Founder
• Minnesota Water Steward - City of Rochester
• Plant a seed. Olmsted County 2021 Food Security Assessment
• UMN Extension SE Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
• Hawthorne Helps - Hawthorne Education Center
• The Landing MN
• UMN Extension Master Gardener State Advisory Board

Government History:

• 2020 - Elected to the Rochester City Council
• 2021 - Appointed to the State Board of Water and Soil Resources

Family: Born and raised in Rochester, Kelly is a 1982 John Marshall graduate. After high school, Kelly attended college and started her first corporation. Since returning home in 1995, she has dived deep into community building through advocacy and volunteering while working as a garden designer and horticulture educator. Kelly has four adult children. 

Honors:

• 2020 - Mayor’s Medal of Honor - Sustainability
• 2019 - Environmental Achievement Award - Sustainable Food Production