Space Foundation Team Member Named Rising Star in the Community

Kelly Shelton honored as a 2017 Rising Star by the Colorado Springs Business Journal

The Colorado Springs Business Journal’s Rising Stars is the most prestigious award recognition for young professionals in the Pikes Peak region. The Space Foundation’s Manager – Philanthropy, Kelly Shelton, was selected as a 2017 Rising Star. 

Candidates who are nominated are reviewed on five criteria – career history, business affiliations, community involvement, professional and personal accomplishments, and other awards and education. All those selected were recognized at a reception held at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs. The honor also included a professional photo and an article in the Colorado Springs Business Journal special supplement (read Kelly’s article HERE).

A record high number of nearly 70 nominations was received, with 25 winners being selected.

Shelton began working at the Space Foundation in 2011, and has grown in her role moving from Development Assistant to Coordinator, and now serves as the Manager-Philanthropy. She has gained frontline experience in many fundraising strategies, and currently manages two major philanthropic programs for the Space Foundation – the Corporate Giving Club and the Swigert Society.

Shelton is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and currently serves on the board of directors for the local chapter and chairs the membership committee. Shelton is also an active member of the Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable as well as the Colorado Springs Rising Professional. In 2016, Shelton completed the Leadership NOW! program. Put on by Leadership Pikes Peak, the program engages, supports and mobilizes young professionals as meaningful members of the community. Selected participants are given the knowledge, skills and relationships to be civic leaders now through a series of trainings, presentations and project work among other activities.

In 2015, Shelton was awarded the Outstanding Emerging Fundraising Professional by AFP Southern Colorado.

Shelli Brunswick, COO and Acting CEO of the Space Foundation, said about Shelton, “Not only are we fortunate to have Kelly at the Space Foundation, but in our community as a whole. Kelly represents the very best traits and characteristics of a rising star, and we are all thrilled to see her recognized with such a deserving honor.” 

This article is part of Space Watch: April 2017 (Volume: 16, Issue: 4).