Kelly Esperias, EdD, MBA, CFRE

Dr. Kelly Esperias (she/her) leads the effort to support the operational environment where students, faculty, and employees come together to do their best work. She brings to the position a deep understanding of and commitment to innovation at KGI, including experience in enhancing business processes to enable the Institute’s academic and business functions to achieve their targets as they align with KGI’s strategic plan. As the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Esperias aligns resources with Institute priorities to meet the KGI community’s needs through partnership, innovation, and continuous improvement. She partners with the community to deliver innovative and robust solutions for operations and communications to support campus priorities.

Previously, Esperias served as Vice President of Institutional Development and Partnerships at KGI. She provided direction, oversight, and management for fundraising, marketing, communications, corporate partnerships, and presidential initiatives.

Preceding her tenure in education administration, she spent the first half of her career working for Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) as the Senior Manager of Operations. She was responsible for the planning, marketing, and operations management of some of the nation’s most significant sports and entertainment events. Her experience included working with the LA Lakers, LA Clippers, LA Kings, LA Avengers, LA Sparks, LA Angels, and LA Galaxy sports teams.

A member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, Esperias serves as a national officer. She supports young women at universities across the country in their on-campus leadership roles.

An adjunct faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona and KGI, Esperias holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Business Administration from the University of La Verne, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal Poly Pomona. A Certified Fundraising Executive, Esperias has a Certificate in Non-Profit Board Management and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Notre Dame.