Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Dando.
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in association management nearly two decades ago. After moving from Nashville to Dallas in 2013, I started by helping one Dallas client manage their association, and before long, others began seeking my support. I hired my first team member in 2015, and by 2019 I officially launched Kelly Dando Consulting to provide volunteer led organizations and professional associations with the expertise and support they need without the cost of full-time staff.
What started with a single client in Dallas has grown into managing more than 70 associations and chapters nationwide, along with several conferences and nonprofit organizations. Along the way, I’ve focused on building strong client relationships, implementing efficient systems, and driving measurable results, whether through membership growth, event management, or digital marketing. Today, with a team of 12, our company continues to expand, and my goal is to keep scaling so we can help even more associations and non profits thrive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like most business owners, I’ve faced both struggles and successes along the way. One of the biggest challenges has been knowing when to scale and ensuring I had the right people in place to grow with me. I’ve learned that timing is everything. When I started my business before COVID, hiring remote workers wasn’t very common and many associations were hesitant about it. Today, remote work has become the norm, which has allowed me to build an incredible team. I’m fortunate to have a team who enjoy the flexibility of working from home while still delivering great results for our clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kelly Dando Consulting?
Kelly Dando Consulting is an Association Management Company that partners with volunteer-led organizations and professional associations to provide the staffing and expertise they need without the cost of full-time employees. We specialize in membership growth, event and conference management, board support, and digital marketing, and we’re known for bringing structure, efficiency, and creativity to associations of all sizes.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution—we act as a true extension of each organization, not just a vendor. With a team of 12 professionals spread across the country, we offer flexibility, specialized skills, and scalable support that allows our clients to thrive.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Many of our clients come to us through referrals because of the strong relationships we maintain and the measurable results we deliver. I want readers to know that our passion is helping associations and non profits grow, engage their members, and achieve their goals with less stress and more impact. We love sharing our expertise with Boards.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
AI has become a powerful tool in our work, helping us streamline processes and increase efficiency. We use it daily, particularly for tasks like social media support, but I’ve found that while AI can enhance productivity, a human touch is still essential. Relationships and connections, both internal and external, are the heart of association management, and technology can’t replace that.
We’ve seen how far technology has come; ten years ago it was hard to find affordable, on-demand name tag printing systems, and now we have multiple options at our fingertips. The same trend will continue, with technology making association management more efficient and accessible. Every month we find a new platform at a much better price than what we saw 5 years ago.
At the same time, associations face the challenge of proving their value and ROI to members. Unlike decades ago, when joining an association was almost an expectation, younger generations want to see personal and tangible benefits. This means associations must adapt, evolve their offerings, and focus on delivering what members truly need in order to stay relevant and thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kellydando.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CU6ULFB9h/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kelly-dando-consulting/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@associationedge
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/association-edge/id1843181639
Image Credits:
Kelly Dando
