The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation is undergoing a significant transition in its executive leadership. Carrie Kelly, who served as the organization’s President and CEO since August 2025, has stepped down from her role to return to the private sector.
In a statement following her departure, Kelly noted that her tenure was defined by a focus on stabilizing the organization’s internal health and positioning it for its next phase of leadership.
Kelly will return to her consulting firm, Pick It Up! Management & Consulting, where she intends to leverage her expertise in governance and operational alignment for organizations across Colorado, Arizona, and nationwide.
To ensure continuity during the search for a permanent successor, the Jeffco EDC has appointed Kami Welch to serve as Interim CEO. Welch brings 15 years of experience in regional growth and multi-sector collaboration to the position.
Welch will maintain her current role as President and CEO of the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce, a position she has held since 2013. Her appointment as interim head of the Jeffco EDC is expected to further bridge the gap between local chamber initiatives and regional economic development strategies.
The transition comes as the organization continues to focus on data-driven initiatives and regional partnerships. Welch’s track record at the Arvada Chamber includes several key accomplishments:
- Leading multi-year initiatives focused on talent, housing, and business retention and expansion.
- Modernizing organizational governance and strategic planning.
- Serving as past Chair of both the Western Association of Chamber Executives and the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce.
- Receiving recognition as the Colorado Chamber Associations’ CEO of the Year.
The Jeffco EDC remains focused on building relationships between business, government, and education partners to shape initiatives that support employers and the broader community. The board has not yet released a timeline for the recruitment of a permanent President and CEO.
Sources: LinkedIn, Jeffco EDC website.
