Okaloosa County School District Announces Hire of Program Director for Community Affairs

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. - Jan. 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson announced the hire of Henry Kelley Program Director of Community Affairs.

“Henry’s combination of political, business and educational experience will make him an invaluable member of our district staff,” said Jackson.  He will serve as Executive Director of Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, which provides scholarship opportunities to students through the Take Stock in Children Program as well as teacher grant opportunities.  Mr. Kelley will collaborate with the Okaloosa County School Board to develop our legislative agenda and with our federal, state and local representatives to achieve these objectives.  He will serve as district liaison for media relations and our community at large.

Growing up in Okaloosa County, he attended Edwins Elementary, Bruner Middle and Fort Walton Beach High Schools before attending the University of Florida on a ROTC scholarship.  He earned a Bronze Star as a field artillery officer in Desert Storm.  He later received his MBA from Rollins College.

“I am excited to help the students of the district that provided me such a great early education,” said Kelley.  “As the son of an Air Force Sergeant and youngest of eight children, I could not have attended college without a scholarship.   I look forward to working within our community to give our students the greatest opportunities to excel.”

Mr. Kelley’s professional career includes working for Disney World, Wyndham Vacation Resorts and BMG Music in a variety of positions.  As a small business owner, he helps farm during season at Akers of Strawberries in Baker.  “Henry’s varied experience will be invaluable to the district,” said Jackson.