The Pella Preservation Trust has announced that Gerae Kelly has been hired to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. Kelly’s professional experience includes more than 25 years of marketing, branding, communications, corporate event management, and organizational administration. Kelly will lead marketing, communications and social media efforts, provide administrative support for the board and committees, coordinate events and property activities, as well as seeking and coordinating funding via grants, memberships and donor contributions.
Bruce Boertje, president of the Pella Preservation Trust, said: “The Trust is thrilled to have Gerae join our organization! Her extensive skill set, wealth of experience, and passion for preservation will be invaluable in helping our organization grow and thrive. Please join us in welcoming her aboard!”
As a graduate of Pella Community High School, Kelly attended University of California, San Diego, and holds a Professional Certificate in Human Resources Management. Previously, she worked as a marketing communications / trade show and events manager for the corporate offices of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Principal Financial Group, First American Title RES, and Old Gringo Boots. After relocating to Pella in 2020, she worked in the COVID call center for Pella Corporation’s human resources department during the pandemic. Since 2022, Kelly has been employed by Central College in the Office of Academic Affairs and currently serves as the administrative assistant to the dean of the faculty.
“I’ve lived in Pella about a third of my life, and have always been passionate about Pella’s founding and growth, historic architecture, renowned beauty, and unique culture,” said Gerae Kelly. I am honored and excited for the privilege to serve the trust in its mission to preserve and promote our treasured heritage, which is vital to the financial and cultural health and well-being of our community. Truly, there is NO place like Pella!”
The Pella Preservation Trust, established in 1994, is a non-profit 501(c)3 preservation organization whose goal is to aid in protecting, preserving, and promoting Pella’s historic buildings, landscapes, and sites so that future generations will continue to be enriched by the historic legacy of Pella’s heritage and culture.