Her Story
About Kay
Kay Holt is a Fractional Chief of Staff & Senior Executive Assistant based in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, specializing in high-level executive support for CEOs, board members, C-suite leaders, and founders. With more than 15 years of experience in executive and administrative support roles, she is known for her ability to anticipate needs, manage complex priorities, and ensure leaders can focus on strategy and growth. Her work centers on providing flexible, fractional support that delivers senior-level expertise without the need for a full-time hire. Her career began in local government as an administrative assistant supporting a Social Security office, where she built a strong foundation in organization, compliance, and public service. She later joined Smithfield Foods, a Fortune 500 company, where she supported multiple C-suite executives and gained deep experience in executive operations, board coordination, and large-scale event and travel management. She went on to serve as a contractor with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, supporting cybersecurity leadership teams and managing sensitive executive communications, scheduling, and cross-functional coordination. Today, Kay works independently as a fractional chief of staff & senior executive assistant, partnering with leaders and small executive teams who need reliable, senior-level operational support. She is supporting political and public affairs consulting firms today, hoping to not only utilize her expertise but also lend her support to causes she believes in. Her expertise includes executive calendar and inbox management, project coordination, travel planning, executive communications, and donor or stakeholder relations. She is recognized for her proactive approach, strong attention to detail, and ability to own initiatives from planning through execution, serving as a trusted right-hand to busy leaders across industries.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kay
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, strong organization, and a direct communication style. I am not afraid to ask questions when I need clarity, which has helped me learn quickly and perform effectively in different roles. Although I initially pursued a career in education aligned with my degree, I realized it was not the right fit for me and made a purposeful transition into administrative work. Once in that field, I excelled in my responsibilities, which led to new opportunities and recruitment into a variety of engaging and challenging roles.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor, who consistently reminded me that there is no problem we cannot solve and that there is always a will and a way. This mindset has stayed with me throughout my career and has helped me approach challenges with confidence, resilience, and a solution-oriented perspective.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to actively network and build meaningful connections with other women and professionals in the field. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who are willing to share knowledge and support one another can be incredibly empowering. Learning from others’ experiences and fostering genuine professional relationships can open doors and help you grow with confidence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the impact of government cutbacks, which has influenced a shift toward more contract and fractional work opportunities. At the same time, this shift has created new opportunities, as increased visibility and intentional networking can significantly strengthen personal branding and open doors to a wider range of professional roles.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I value opportunities to help others and give back to the community, especially in roles that support meaningful philanthropic efforts and create a positive impact. In my personal life, I prioritize time with my family and enjoy being at the beach, where I can relax, read, and recharge, as well as attending football games—we are season ticket members for the Chiefs and have enjoyed many memorable experiences, including attending a Super Bowl as guests of the team.
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