Gary Kelsey

I have 40 years of experience in the non-profit, government and education sectors....and truly love my work.

The first 15 years of professional service were spent working in a variety of roles within non-profit organizations and regional government. I have been a Community Organizer, Program Coordinator, Fundraiser, Administrator, Grants Manager and Executive Director. These experiences gave me a "real-life" perspective which helps me today in both teaching and consulting.

I have been teaching at Walden University approximately 21+ years. Earlier, I served as part-time and full time faculty. At one point (April 2007 - March 2008), I served as Interim Dean for the School of Public Policy and Administration. April 1, 2012, I again became a full-time member of the Public Policy and Administration program faculty. While I love teaching and working with Dissertation students, my main role at this time is Residency Coordinator for our School. In this role, I assign and work with Residency faculty and participate in almost every Residency as Program Administrator. I was honored to be designated Senior Core Faculty in 2017.

In the past, I was a Professor at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and adjunct faculty at the University of St. Thomas and Concordia University. I have taught graduate school courses in Systems Theory, Research Methods, Strategic Planning, Fund Development, Volunteerism, Board Development and several others related to thesis or capstone paper completion. For 15 years, I was the Program Director for the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Philanthropy and Development Masters Program.

My undergraduate degree is in Social Work. I earned an M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration in 1991. I also hold a Doctorate of Education in Leadership degree from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

The other "hat" I have worn is that of an Independent Organizational Development Consultant. I created Gary Kelsey and Associates in 1993. I have had the good fortune to work with over 300 organizations within education, non-profit and government sectors related to planning, board training, fundraising, research, etc.

I live just east of Saint Paul in /Woodbury, Minnesota (Central Time Zone), which is quite close to the incredible St. Croix River Valley....where I like to spend any free time I can find!

Education

EdD, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

MA, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

BA, Saint Cloud State University