Mary Michael Garver Kelley Mpa, M.ed.

Mary Michael Garver Kelley, MPA, M.Ed. has extensive work experience in various leadership roles. Mary Michael currently serves as the Director of Patient Engagement at the Arthritis Foundation, leading national projects focused on advancing health equity and cultivating the patient voice. Previously, Mary was the Director of Patient Centered Strategies at the Arthritis Foundation, where they managed the organization's patient engagement portfolio and led the Patient Leadership Council. Mary Michael also conducted research projects to understand patient preferences and needs and served on the national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.

Prior to their role at the Arthritis Foundation, Mary worked as a Program Administrator at the UAB School of Medicine's 1917 Clinic, where they supported HIV patients and utilized data to develop new programs. Mary Michael also served as the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation Alabama, overseeing programs and operations and leading the organization through a year of transition. In addition, Mary has experience as a Campaign Finance Director and as an Interim Executive Director at the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

Before transitioning into the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, Mary worked at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama in various leadership positions, including Executive Director and Assistant Director. Mary Michael also founded and led the Mothers Milk Bank of Alabama. Mary's earlier experience includes roles in higher education as the Director of Student Activities at Carson-Newman University and as the Student Activities Coordinator at Maryville College.

Mary Michael Garver Kelley holds a diverse educational background. Mary Michael earned their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Journalism from Samford University, where they attended from 1996 to 2000. Following their undergraduate studies, Mary pursued a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from The University of Georgia between 2000 and 2002.

Continuing their education, Mary enrolled in the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed their Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management from 2004 to 2007.

To further enhance their credentials, Mary Michael Garver Kelley obtained a certification in Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging from LinkedIn in December 2022.