Kelly Brunson
Collaborator

Serving as the Director of Finance, Planning & Analysis at Education First, Kelly Flaherty provides operational and management support to the finance and client teams. She brings with her a wealth of experience in leading successful projects, managing budgets and implementing system and process improvements. Education First is a blend of her previous work experiences in consulting and education policy, enabling her to bring a unique perspective to the teams she supports.

Her fundamental belief that education is a leading change agent is what drives her passion for the work and her solutions-oriented approach to challenges. Her public education experiences early on unveiled systematic inequities that left her questioning: “Why”, “How”, “What can I do”. As her passion for improving education grew, she sought opportunities where her skill set could be used to make impactful change. Most recently, she served as ConnCAN’s Research & Finance Manager using research and data to inform community advocates and policymakers on the state of Connecticut’s public education system and ideas for improvement.

Kelly is a first-generation college student and proud graduate of the University of Connecticut (Go Huskies!). As a local realtor, she also serves her community by helping home buyers navigate their first home purchase, sale, or investment. You might also find her checking out a local brewery, the beach, or hopping on a plane seeking her next adventure (most recently, Charleston, her newfound love).