Jean Kelly

Executive Director
The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network)

Jean Kelly took those same skills she sharpened as a highly effective corporate executive to The Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN), where she was among a small group of concerned Long Islanders who established The INN's first soup kitchen in 1983. Prior to becoming executive director, Kelly was a member of The INN's board for the first 10 years, serving as president for five years.

With her savvy as a businesswoman in one hand and her passion to make sure people get what they need in the other, Kelly has directed The INN's growth to include a network of 19 soup kitchens, three emergency shelters and 25 long-term, low-income housing units — representing the largest social service agency of its kind in the region.

Under Kelly's guidance, The INN's network feeds more than 8,500 people each week and shelters approximately 150 children, women and men each night. The organization remains grounded on a single principle — that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Anyone who comes to The INN's soup kitchens receives a hot, nutritious meal, a warm welcome and access to whatever additional support services are available.

According to Kelly, all are treated as guests, regardless of where they come from or what they look like.

Before joining The INN, Kelly was vice president of an advertising agency and then marketing services manager for a global manufacturer. She has been recognized by various organizations such as the League of Woman Voters, Mental Health Association, Molloy College, St. John's University and the New York State Senate, and is in the Long Island Business Hall of Fame as one of the Top 50 Women on Long Island.

Kelly attended Nassau Community College before attending Hofstra University. She is married and lives in Huntington, N.Y.