It doesn’t matter if you’re a co-worker, a client or a reporter – when you meet Kelly, one of the first things you notice is her Southern accent. Kelly is based in southwest Georgia, where she lives in a farming community, kicks ass for her PR clients, and loves to defy and embrace perceptions of the South in equal measure. That quality shows up in both her dedication to college football and her expert use of her accent to disarm and outsmart every interaction. Combined with her easygoing attitude, helpful and hard-working approach to collaborating with the team, and love of a good joke, Kelly is a person you want on your side in any situation.
Read on to learn more about Kelly’s career experience, outlook on remote working and life with her family in Georgia.
What's one thing you love about Metis?
I am challenged every single day, and as a result, I learn something new every day. Whether it’s a new media relations strategy, how to craft the perfect tweet for successful social engagement, or a new trend or type of technology in the industries we work in, growing is always a constant, and I love it.
What were you up to before you came to Metis?
Prior to Metis, I worked for a company that sells fertilizer, chemicals and seed. I always had an interest in the agricultural industry being that I married into a farming family, so it was an interesting job and closer to home than I had been before. Also, being a mom and doing a lot of volunteer work for my son’s school.
What’s your favorite Metis benefit?
Definitely Summer Fridays. There is still plenty of sunlight left if I want to go hit the pool for a couple of hours, go for a walk, go play on the farm or drive down to the beach for the weekend, since the Gulf of Mexico is only a couple of hours away.
What's one thing you've learned since starting at Metis?
You don’t have to apologize all the time. Stuff happens. Just own what you did, pick yourself back up if it was a mistake, learn from it and keep on going!
Do you have a favorite holiday?
I enjoy all the holidays, but I have always really loved Easter. It comes at such a nice time of year weather-wise down here, and some of the fondest memories of my childhood were big family Easter egg hunts. The food isn’t so bad, either.
Tell us about the best concert you've ever been to.
Rush’s 40th anniversary and farewell tour. My husband and I love listening to them and our son, who was 11 at the time, had grown to like them, as well. We were able to take him to see a show last year on their final tour and it was his first live music experience, which made it extra special. It also encouraged him to learn to play music and he can now play drums, piano and bass guitar, which is really awesome considering I have no musical talent except for singing (horribly) when I think no one is listening.
What would your perfect weekend consist of?
Fall weather, college football, friends, family, a grill and frosty beverages.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can whistle REALLY loud – WAY louder than my husband. He is in denial, but we all know the truth.
What TV show do you binge watch?
“That 70’s Show” reruns. That is our favorite thing to watch at night once our son, Carter, has gone to bed and we are ready to wind down.