Aine Kelly
Aine Kelly is an accomplished and energetic professional with a proven history of achievement in sales, estimating, and operations management. With over a decade of experience at KELLY IRON WORKS, she has demonstrated strong leadership, organizational, and prioritization skills, consistently driving results while fostering collaborative team environments. Aine’s areas of expertise include communication, problem-solving, and team development, all of which she leverages to deliver successful outcomes for clients and colleagues alike.
In her current role as Head of Sales & Estimating, Aine oversees project estimates, coordinates client communications, and manages complex workflows to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Her previous experience as Director of Operations and Office Manager further honed her skills in scheduling, bid preparation, team leadership, and process improvement. She is proficient in technical tools such as Tekla and has extensive experience in coordinating projects from planning through execution.
Beyond her professional achievements, Aine is committed to community service and volunteerism. She has dedicated nearly a decade to initiatives like the Light the Night Walk and DC Central Kitchen, contributing to fundraising, event setup, and meal preparation for those in need. Aine holds a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton University, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
• CPR (CPR)
• Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP)
• Saint Leo University
• Stockton University
• Chamber of Commerce
• Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI)
• Light the Night Walk
• DC Central Kitchen!
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of discipline, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. My career began with the Capitol Police, where I learned accountability and respect for structure. After an injury, I shifted directions and eventually joined my family’s business, where I now oversee sales and estimating. Managing our office team, leading sales calls, pricing jobs, and visiting job sites has taught me how to balance precision with strong people skills—an approach I take pride in every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry like steel comes with its challenges, and I’ve certainly had to work harder at times to be heard and taken seriously. My advice to young women entering this field is to embrace confidence—it’s not optional; it’s essential. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. Younger women often bring fresh perspectives, up-to-date knowledge, and adaptability, all of which are invaluable to any organization.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been navigating a male-dominated industry as a younger woman, where I often felt the need to prove myself twice. That experience, however, pushed me to be sharper, more prepared, and more confident in my expertise. I’ve learned that you don’t need anyone’s permission to belong—once I stopped shrinking myself, everything changed. There are still moments when confidence and competence can be met with resistance, but owning your knowledge and abilities ultimately commands respect and demonstrates your value in the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are leadership, confidence, and communication. In our family business, I focus on earning trust, setting clear boundaries, and supporting others—especially women—in their growth. Outside of work, completing marathons for causes I care about has taught me perseverance, discipline, and purpose, lessons I bring into both my professional and personal life.