Welcoming Kelly Houg to the ElevateDD Team
I recently joined ElevateDD as the Administrative & Operations Coordinator, and I’m honored to be part of an organization so deeply committed to creating meaningful impact and supporting people and families with care and intention.
After recently moving back to the Columbus area, I knew I wanted to continue working in the nonprofit sector because mission-driven work has always felt like home to me. While I was not very familiar with ElevateDD when I first applied, that quickly changed after meeting the team. From our first conversations, I could feel the passion behind the work and the genuine commitment to serving the community. It was clear this was a place where people lead with both heart and purpose, and I knew I wanted to be part of that.
In my role, I support the day-to-day operations that help keep our organization running smoothly behind the scenes. I work to strengthen the internal systems and processes that allow our staff to focus on the direct service and community-facing work that makes such a difference every day. I have always been drawn to operational roles because I find so much fulfillment in creating structure, solving problems, and helping build the support systems that allow others to do their best work. I especially enjoy being able to contribute across different areas of the organization and finding ways to support our team however I can.
Before joining ElevateDD, I built my career in nonprofit operations, communications, and donor engagement. My experience has included coordinating events, supporting organizational systems, and working alongside teams to advance shared goals. Along the way, I have learned how important it is to listen with empathy and create space for people to share their experiences in ways that feel meaningful and respected. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach my work and the relationships I build along the way.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal Communication from Ohio University, and throughout my career I have remained passionate about community involvement and service. I am grateful to be part of the ElevateDD team and excited to support the organization’s mission while getting to know the incredible community we serve.
