KELLY POND
President & CEO
Special Olympics Southern California
KELLY POND
President & CEO
Special Olympics Southern California
A Leader Shaped by the Mission
Kelly Pond leads Special Olympics Southern California with a deep belief that the power of sport can change lives, build community, and create places where every person is seen and celebrated for their gifts and abilities.
Kelly’s connection to Special Olympics began more than 25 years ago as a volunteer. What drew her in then still guides her today: the courage, confidence, life skills, and the genuine friendships and sense of belonging that grow through shared experiences both on and off the field. Learning from and being inspired by the athletes remains Kelly’s favorite part of the work and at the heart of every decision.
A Leader Shaped by the Mission
Kelly Pond leads Special Olympics Southern California with a deep belief that the power of sport can change lives, build community, and create places where every person is seen and celebrated for their gifts and abilities.
Kelly’s connection to Special Olympics began more than 25 years ago as a volunteer. What drew her in then still guides her today: the courage, confidence, life skills, and the genuine friendships and sense of belonging that grow through shared experiences both on and off the field. Learning from and being inspired by the athletes remains Kelly’s favorite part of the work and at the heart of every decision.
Kelly Pond leads Special Olympics Southern California with a deep belief that the power of sport can change lives, build community, and create places where every person is seen and celebrated for their gifts and abilities.
Kelly’s connection to Special Olympics began more than 25 years ago as a volunteer. What drew her in then still guides her today: the courage, confidence, life skills, and the genuine friendships and sense of belonging that grow through shared experiences both on and off the field. Learning from and being inspired by the athletes remains Kelly’s favorite part of the work and at the heart of every decision.
Kelly returned to SOSC as President and CEO in 2022 after serving in several leadership roles across the organization and building more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience spanning development, communications, operations, and community engagement. She brings a strong understanding of both the mission and the athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners who make it possible.
Today, Kelly is focused on the next chapter of SOSC’s impact: Destination 2030. Through this visionary work, SOSC is building a future where more athletes of all abilities have access to high-quality sports, leadership opportunities, and a community where they belong. She believes the way forward is through the power of partnership – bringing people together to create more opportunities for athletes to compete, lead, and belong.
I believe everyone should be seen and celebrated for their unique gifts and for what they can do. That is exactly what Special Olympics does. In the 20 years that I have had the honor to serve SOSC, I’ve seen firsthand how we transform lives through the power of sports. It is a great privilege to lead and support this team and partner with our athletes, staff, volunteer leaders, sponsors, donors, and Southern California communities to build the SOSC of the future together.
— Kelly Pond
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