Her Story
About April
April Kelly serves as the Environmental Programs Manager within the Environmental Health and Safety Department at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she has held a leadership role for over eight years. In this position, she oversees a broad portfolio of environmental compliance and protection programs, including air permitting, asbestos and lead abatements, mold remediation, drinking water management, stormwater systems, spill prevention, and indoor air quality. She also supports campus research initiatives by reviewing environmental procedures for grants and ensuring compliance with federal regulatory standards.
With more than 26 years of experience in the environmental field, Kelly built her career through progressively responsible roles, including 17½ years in the utility sector where she worked in environmental, safety, and chemistry supervision. Her expertise spans regulatory compliance with agencies such as the EPA and OSHA, facility safety management, environmental auditing, and emergency response program oversight. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to streamline operations, improve compliance systems, and foster collaboration across technical and operational teams.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Biology from South Carolina State University, a Master of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. She is certified in asbestos inspection and supervision and RCRA HAZWOPER, with additional background in landfill management certification. Her work reflects a strong commitment to environmental protection, regulatory excellence, and sustainable campus operations, with a focus on collaboration, integrity, and long-term community impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with April
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion and strong interest in sustainability within environmental health and safety at a strategic level. I leverage my expertise to make a meaningful impact in this field. I am committed to applying my knowledge and enthusiasm to initiatives that benefit the community, support government efforts, and contribute to the overall well-being of the world.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stop being complacent. Continue to advance your career and grow, whether through education or additional certifications. Even after long tenure in a role, seek bigger and better opportunities rather than staying in the weeds.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can do anything that you put your mind to. Don't let anyone dim your light or tell you that you can't accomplish something. Always believe in yourself and continue to grow and be the best version of yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the advancement of sustainable infrastructure and innovative, self-sufficient building design. Through my involvement with the Georgia Tech X Candida Building project, I contributed to research supporting the development of the company’s first self-sustaining building, which strengthened my commitment to collaboration and innovation in environmental health and safety. In my current role overseeing the permitting process for drinking water, I continue to see the importance of regulatory work in ensuring safe, sustainable development, and I am inspired to expand these efforts toward creating more sustainable buildings and housing solutions globally.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value collaboration with staff, departments, researchers and students. Professional growth and learning from others. Social impact and helping the community. Family is number one personally. Integrity and ethics in all endeavors.
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