Experience
Commissioner Kelly Walsh has represented District 1 of the City of Decatur since being sworn in on January 2nd, 2018. She was elected in a four-way race by nearly half of the voters of her district by running a positive campaign rooted in issues of walkability, community engagement, and strategic planning for smart growth.
As an elected official she understands the imperative of working on policies and programs that provide the most benefits to the most residents. She is passionate about her service and demonstrates her commitment through preparation, engagement, and attendance at every public meeting. Kelly has a long history of service to Decatur through many volunteer and leadership roles. She was recognized by the community for her volunteerism when she received the Hometown Hero Award in 2015.
Leadership
Kelly’s experience in public service began right after college, working on Capitol Hill, followed by stints in international development project management, and leading training programs promoting democracy and free elections in Africa for a non-governmental organization in Washington, D.C. Upon completion of her MBA in 1999, Kelly was recruited to Atlanta to work in international marketing and strategic planning for the global headquarters of UPS. After shepherding her two children to Clairemont Elementary school she became a residential Realtor in 2012. She works at Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta located in downtown Decatur with a primary focus on the local real estate market.
Education
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Master of Business Administration from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona. Having a lifelong passion for travel and international study, Kelly speaks fluent French and conversational Spanish. Also an avid runner, she enjoys competing at local races and joining friends and neighbors for recreational running and walking all around the city.
Family
Her family, including husband Pat, and children Owen, and Brigit, has resided in the City of Decatur since 2005. Pat is a Senior Vice President at Tandem Bank and works in the Decatur office. He serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Decatur Arts Alliance. As a family they enjoy traveling, biking, cheering on Atlanta United, and hiking with their dog.
Kelly Walsh humbly asks for your vote on Tuesday, November 2nd to re-elect her as City Commissioner for District 1.
Kelly’s Commitment to Service
Kelly’s Dedication to Community
City of Decatur Commissioner, District 1, 2018-present
Secretary and Treasurer of the Urban Redevelopment Agency for the City of Decatur
Steering Committee member, MLK Everyday Senior Housing Rehabilitation Project 2021
Graduate of the Urban Land Institute Center for Leadership Class of 2020
Graduate of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2018
Decatur Hometown Hero 2015
Steering Committee Member, Decatur 360 Comprehensive Plan, 2015
Chair, Decatur Active Living Citizens Advisory Board, 2013 & 2014
Member, Decatur Business Association
Graduate, Decatur 101 Class of 2012
Kelly Works For Kids
PTA Co-President, Clairemont Elementary, 2014-2017
PTA Council Liaison, Decatur Education Foundation, 2016-2017
Chair DEF/FAVE Fifth Avenue 5K & Mayor’s Mile, 2016-2017
Board Chair, Girls on the Run Board of Directors, 2007-2009
Kelly On the Run
Atlanta Track Club, Board of Directors, 2010-2015
Girls on the Run, Coach, 2017
Kelly Volunteers For That
Volunteer Decatur!
Bulldog Booster Club
Keller Williams Red Day
It was a gorgeous night for the City Schools of Decatur graduation of the Class of 2023! I went out walking and stopped by to check it out. It was impressive. Good luck to the graduates and I have just one message for you - You Do You!