Michele Kelley is the President and Founder of the Chris Kelley Foundation. Michele was serving in the United States Air Force when she and Chris met. After leaving the military, Michele continued to serve her community as a Juvenile Probation Officer at the Williamson County Juvenile Services Center for 12 years.
Michele and Chris put down roots in Hutto, where they added two beautiful children to their family, Makenzie & Nate. Detective Sergeant Christopher Kelley paid the ultimate sacrifice on June 24, 2015 when he was killed in the line of duty while working for the Hutto Police Department.
Michele has made it her personal mission since Chris’ death to be bold in her support of law enforcement. She has taken on projects to ensure that Chris’ life and sacrifice are honored and never forgotten.
Malinda Robey serves as the Vice President of the Chris Kelley Foundation. She is the sister-in-law of Christopher Kelley and he inspires her to BE. HERE. NOW and to ‘Bring it’ everyday. She is passionate about new experiences, traveling, making life fun, and challenging herself and others to be the ‘best’ they can be.
Malinda lives in the Austin, Texas area with her husband Mat, 15 year old twins Marcus and Madison, and their goldendoodle Marty. She currently works at a global financial software company leading a customer success organization globally.
Vanessa Staples serves as the Secretary of the Chris Kelley Foundation. She works in corporate management and is the wife of a Law Enforcement officer.
Vanessa began as assisting as a planning committee member for the 2nd Annual Chris Kelley 5K and shortly thereafter joined the Foundation as a board member. She loves that the 5K brings families, neighbors and first responders together to celebrate and reflect on Chris’ life and the great impact he continues to make on his community.
Ashley Hammitt serves as the Treasurer of the Chris Kelley Foundation. Ashley has experience in book keeping as well as planning & organizing events.
Ashley lives in Round Rock with her husband Don and 3 children Witten, Lincoln, and Lesta. Ashley volunteered with the 5k for several years before joining the board. Ashley is grateful to be apart of such a community driven foundation that brings the importance of supporting law-enforcement, fire, EMT and military to an open stage.
Casey Preusse serves as a board member of the Chris Kelley Foundation. Casey oversees our volunteers, first responder static display and silent auction, something she takes great pride in!
Casey is the wife of a law enforcement officer. Together they have three smart and beautiful daughters. Casey is also a proud Hutto Hippo alumni! Volunteering is near and dear to her heart.
Mathew Robey serves as a board member of the Chris Kelley Foundation. Mat is the brother-in-law of Chris Kelley and husband to board Vice President Malinda Robey. Mat comes from a family of police officers in New York. His dad is a retired Suffolk County Police sergeant and his brother is currently a Sergeant for the New York State Troopers.
Chris inspired Mat to be the best husband and father he can be. Chris shared with Mat his love of cooking and introduced him to his first TX BBQ. Mat also enjoys physical fitness and all things outdoors.
Mat with his wife and 15 year old twins moved to Austin TX in 2016. He is currently an Account Executive for TX Telco and Energy sector for large data provider.
Jillian Fredericks serves as a board member of the Chris Kelley Foundation and helps to manage Communications and Marketing. Jillian is Michele Kelley’s cousin and lived with Michele and Chris during a short time in 2014 when she moved from NY after college.
Jillian enjoyed finding new ways to annoy Chris daily and bonding over The Walking Dead, cooking, and whose turn it was to clean the bathroom. She currently lives in North Adams, Massachusetts and works in the live events and hospitality industry.
Chris Kelley Foundation 