Job history: Kelly joined the company in 2024 as senior project manager as part of Urban's program management oversight (PMO) team supporting the Federal Transit Administration.

A seasoned leader skilled in organizing, developing and delivering projects, Kelly has more than 18 years of experience managing contract values up to $1.6 billion. She has worked on nationally significant rail expansions. In Los Angeles, she serves as FTA's PMO task order manager, supporting the oversight of the 9-mile underground heavy-rail Purple Line Extension along Wilshire Boulevard ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

In New York, Kelly served as design oversight manager and owner's representative for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on 19 miles of new and rehabbed track work and new ADA-accessible stations along the Amtrak Hell Gate Line. Previously, she served as owner's representative to New York state as deputy project manager and technical lead for the redevelopment of Moynihan Train Hall.

Why she's influential as a leader: Kelly's influence is felt across the firm, with her teams, and throughout the rail industry through her commitment to leadership, technical expertise and genuine belief in the value and importance of rail transportation. At Urban, Kelly has guided large, multidisciplinary teams on some of the most complex rail and transportation programs in the country. Outside of work, Kelly serves her community as public safety commissioner for the city of West Hollywood, California, and mentors early career rail professionals. She is a member of WTS International, supporting and encouraging women advancing in transportation roles.