Tom Kennelly joined the UK Institute of Research for Technology Development in 2022. Tom is the Assistant Director of Operations and responsibilities include Philanthropic Engagement, Marketing and Communication, Operations Management, and Strategic Planning and Development.

Tom has over twenty years’ experience in business development and external relations. Tom has coordinated and led the communication, training, and business development for a multi-national mining and petroleum company, service-member banking institution and a public university.

He has successfully built and managed key partnerships with industry, community leaders, university leadership, entrepreneurs, and elected officials by leveraging and connecting resources to accomplish strategic goals and objectives. He created leadership reference groups and advisory councils to share best practices, process improvements, capacity building, and maximize efficiencies. Tom built the first Eagle Ford Shale Community Reference Group, bringing together rural community elected officials, business owners, education and health professionals, and community leaders for BHP Billiton Mining and Petroleum Company. With his leadership, the group implemented a stakeholder development plan focused on providing business support and increasing quality of life in local communities across South Texas. He also created an agent advisory council with agent representatives from 13 states for Farm Bureau Bank to strengthen strategic partnerships and share growth opportunities.

Tom’s community development initiatives included developing the first Boys and Girls Club in DeWitt County Texas that included a technology center, creating a community development plan for rural communities that received a grant from Shell Oil Company and organizing STEM events and camps for kids and students.

Tom has also been a team member of the HENAAC College Bowl since 2010 connecting underrepresented students majoring in Engineering with industry representatives.

Tom has earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Indiana University, True Lean Systems Program Certificate from University of Kentucky, and a Certified Small Business Advisor from University of Texas at San Antonio.