We are excited to introduce you to our third Forum speaker, Kelly Jones! We cannot wait to hear her speak on “Unleashing Your Inner Warrior!”
This proud mom of two children is a Michigan native and has crisscrossed the globe during her 16 years as a journalist in radio and television. In spite of living in various countries, states, counties and zip codes she remains just as motivated, excited and thankful today as she was, her first day on air!
Prior to arriving at Local 15, Kelly was the morning/noon anchor at KCTV and then host of Better Kansas City. Jones enjoyed being a co-host on the #1 rated KC Zoo Show, which garnered numerous awards.
Ever the avid NFL fan, Kelly participated as a weekly contributor, (during NFL season) on the wildly popular, The Danny Parkins Show, 610AM Sports Radio. Listeners tuned in to hear her weekly NFL analysis, predictions and picks.
Before joining KCTV, Kelly was the morning show reporter at KFMB in San Diego where her reporting included covering court cases, wildfires and the military… sometimes all in one day!
Kelly’s news career began in Yuma, AZ. Kelly anchored the morning and noon newscasts at KYMA and anchored a nightly entertainment segment on radio station KLJZ FM/Z93. Billings, MT would follow next; there Kelly was the main evening anchor at KSVI/KHMT. Kelly would spend the next three years as an American diplomat in Tirana, Albania, and Brussels, Belgium. Kelly was the Brussels Weekly newsletter editor, a publication prepared for Embassy, U.S. Mission to the European Union and U.S. NATO employees, family members and expatriates throughout Belgium and the world.
Kelly has been nominated for an Emmy for her work on BET. The San Diego wildfires of 2007 are one her most memorable moments in television. She worked nearly 24 hours straight, giving the viewers up-to-the-moment updates on the tremendous aftermath of the multiple fires.
In 2007, the Commandant of the Marine Corps decided to put more of an emphasis on the family that surrounded a U.S. Marine/Sailor and wanted to implement a full-time civilian as a Family Readiness Officer (FRO). The FRO on the group level is the liaison between Wing, the commander, the group, squadrons and families.
In December 2007, Kelly was named the first civilian FRO in the Marine Corps 232-year history. As the Marine Wing Support Group (MWSG)-37 FRO based on MCAS Miramar, Kelly was responsible for MWSS-371, MWSS-372, MWSS-373 and MWSS-374. She provided direct command outreach, supported and assisted the unit’s military personnel and their families, encompassing more than 18,000 Marines, Sailors and their extended family members.
Kelly was the primary staff member responsible for carrying out the commander’s vision and intent. She also prepared and distributed official information on behalf of the commander, to include: speeches, strategic communication messages, presentations and briefs (from General Officers to family members) The 4-support squadrons spanned California and Arizona. OOHRAH!
Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in radio/television from Wayne State University. The former Jet Beauty loves watching the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL hockey and of course college sports… from Big 10 to Big 12 to hello SEC!!! She played basketball, baseball, softball, ran track, ice skated and still describes herself as the ultimate tomboy!
Kelly is very passionate about giving back and loves emceeing events and most recently served as a board member for SAFEHOME (Support of Survivors of Domestic Violence) and the Kansas City Autism Training Center (KcATC).
Kelly says the best part of being in the news business is “being in the community, mentoring young people and having a direct and positive impact on people’s lives each and every day!” Her motto: “I am blessed to have this platform and it’s my duty/obligation to give back, otherwise, I’m wasting space!” It’s motivation like this known as “Kellyisms,” which she routinely posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
