Montique (Mo) Cotton Kelly

Chief People Officer and Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations

People, Culture, Talent Management and Alumni Relations

Mo Cotton Kelly serves as the Chief People Officer and Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations at the University of Connecticut Foundation, where she leads with a visionary approach to organizational culture, talent development, and alumni engagement. In her role as Chief People Officer, Cotton Kelly oversees Employee Support and Experience, Board of Directors operations, and the cultivation of a workplace culture rooted in inclusivity, excellence, and strategic alignment with organizational goals.

A nationally recognized leader in higher education advancement, Cotton Kelly brings more than two decades of experience to her work, shaping people strategies that empower teams and foster long-term organizational success. Her commitment to mentoring women in leadership and her role as a sought-after speaker on topics such as inclusive leadership, talent management, and alumni relations underscore her influence across the sector.

Since joining the University of Connecticut in 2014, Cotton Kelly has led transformative alumni engagement efforts, connecting more than 295,000 alumni worldwide and strengthening lifelong relationships with the university. Prior to her tenure at UConn, she served as Executive Director of the Alumni Association at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Cotton Kelly is also a dedicated contributor to the advancement profession, currently serving as Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to innovation, excellence, and the power of community in shaping the future of education.