MIAMI—The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has promoted Kelly Jin to include the expanded responsibilities of chief of staff to Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, president and CEO, while continuing as vice president for communities. Kelly will collaborate with the president, executive team and staff to drive the foundation’s strategy, advance key initiatives and improve cross-team collaboration. She will continue to lead the foundation’s communities program, ensuring stronger alignment and greater impact across Knight cities.
“Kelly’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping our community-focused initiatives at Knight Foundation,” said Maribel. “Her ability to foster collaboration and drive impactful strategies will be vital as we seek to strengthen our impact and partnerships across the country.”
Since joining Knight Foundation in 2021, Kelly has been instrumental in overseeing more than $130 million in grants committed across Knight communities. Under her leadership, the foundation’s communities portfolio manages $200 million in active grants and advises on $130 million in donor-advised funds, supporting 26 cities nationwide.
Kelly has played a pivotal role in expanding Knight’s community strategy to focus on local partnerships that drive economic growth, reconnect neighborhoods and leverage federal funding, like Miami’s ClimateReady Tech Hub. In addition to advancing strategic investments, Kelly has strengthened Knight’s role as a convener of national and civic leaders. She co-chairs the annual Knight Media Forum, bringing together hundreds of civic leaders to learn about and share on topics ranging from media innovation to economic and climate resilience.
“It has been my privilege to serve at Knight Foundation, and I’m deeply committed to advancing our mission alongside Maribel and our remarkable team,” said Kelly. “The leaders driving real change in their communities are a testament to what’s possible when we champion bold ideas and build partnerships grounded in local voices and aspirations, from Zac Kohl building affordable housing sustainably in Akron, Ohio, to J’Tanya Adams championing equitable development in Charlotte’s Historic West End and Seth Clark and Tracie Revis advocating for Georgia’s first national park in Macon, Ga.”
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
We are social investors who support a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.