Kelly Wismer

Kelly Wismer currently serves as Chief of Staff at the Appalachian Regional Commission since September 2021. Prior to this role, Kelly Wismer was the Legislative Affairs Director at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association from November 2018 to August 2021, focusing on broadband and telecom legislative issues. Previous experience includes serving as Public Relations Manager and Strategic Outreach Manager at NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, where efforts were directed towards unifying the rural voice and enhancing community partnerships. Kelly Wismer has also contributed as a Research Assistant and Legislative Aide in the Office of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson, primarily advising on various policy matters. Earlier roles include Hearing Clerk for the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Deputy Finance Director for a South Dakota political campaign. Kelly Wismer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of South Dakota.