Kelly Meredith hit the ground running as a student at Gannon and has, seemingly, increased speed every year since. Currently the Business Development Advisor for the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC), Kelly was recently named a Community Champion of Pittsburgh nominee by the Women’s Small Business Association. Her nomination recognizes her role with the Monroeville Area Chamber and as a volunteer for the Reflections of Grace Foundation, which provides support to families affected by pediatric brain cancer as well as research funding. Kelly also gives of her time to Gannon by serving as a member of the National Alumni Board.
Kelly’s role with MACC allows her to use her communications skills daily, whether by talking with potential new chamber members, or crafting social media posts for the community. She helps businesses recognize and utilize the value in partnering with the Chamber in order to grow. Additionally, Kelly manages the MACC website. Prior to joining MACC, she was the Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society in Pittsburgh, and worked as a reporter for the McKeesport Daily News.
At Gannon, Kelly was involved with WERG-FM, the Gannon Knight, and served as a member of the Student Government Association. Her favorite memories are tied to the School of Communication and the Arts – shifts at the radio station, late nights putting together the Knight, and the Duda and Shustie Awards. She also recalls with fondness the Mass on the Grass, and, of course, the ever-popular MidKnight Pancake Breakfasts.
Kelly encourages Gannon students to take advantage of Gannon’s network, both as a student and after graduation. “You are truly a member of the Gannon Family for life,” she adds, noting, “There are so many of us who want to help and cheer you on to success.”
Kelly and her husband, Steve, are the parents of a young son, Preston. They reside in Kelly’s hometown of Monroeville, which is just outside of Pittsburgh. She also has a younger sister, Lydia Fennessy ’19, who is currently pursuing her graduate degree at Gannon.
(published July 2020)