Kelsey will lead Heartland Forward’s community-driven programs across the 20 states in the middle of the country.
Bentonville, Ark. – Heartland Forward, a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank working to accelerate economic growth in states and local communities in the middle of the country, today announced Brian Kelsey as its new vice president of programs and strategy. Kelsey’s extensive experience across advocacy, policy and economic development makes him a valuable addition to the Heartland Forward team as it works toward its goal to generate $500 million in economic impact in the heartland by 2030.
“Brian is a seasoned leader who understands that strategy is nothing without impact,” said Angie Cooper, president of Heartland Forward. “As we work to fuel economic growth for our communities, his extensive background proves his ability to turn big ideas into measurable outcomes. We’re excited to welcome him to the team as we continue to drive our mission forward and unlock new opportunities for the heartland.”
As vice president of programs and strategy, Kelsey will lead Heartland Forward’s community-driven programs in its impact areas of regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness. Current initiatives include enhancing investment in the heartland through the Center for Investment Readiness, supporting career readiness for high-school graduates with rootEd Arkansas, crafting smart AI decisions and policy with the Heartland AI Caucus, and creating and sustaining healthy communities.
“As a heartland resident myself, I have spent my career spearheading community, economic and workforce development strategies in communities I love,” said Kelsey. “The middle of our country deserves our attention and investment, and I look forward to joining the Heartland Forward team to guide our programmatic resources to drive the greatest impact for our region.”
Before joining Heartland Forward, Kelsey held the role of consulting manager of economic development at Ernst & Young, where he created regional economic development strategies across the country, aligning organizational plans and funding sources to measurable objectives for economic growth. He has also served as assistant city manager of economic development for the city of Edinburg, Texas; chief strategy officer for the mayor’s office of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee; and principal of Civic Analytics LLC in Austin, Texas.
Kelsey earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Master of Public Administration from LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Our mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030. We do this through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings—focusing on regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.