Kellie King
Kellie J. King is a highly accomplished executive leader currently serving as Executive Director of the Office of Budget and Finance at Regent University. With a career spanning senior roles across government, military, and regulatory organizations, she is known for her innovative, results-driven leadership and ability to design and execute complex resource strategies. Kellie brings deep expertise in strategic planning, budget and financial management, enterprise risk management, performance management, and business process transformation in support of dynamic public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
A retired Lieutenant Colonel and Finance Officer in the U.S. Army, Kellie has led and advised at the highest levels of government. She successfully managed billions of dollars as the first Chief Financial Officer for the Army’s Wounded, Ill, and Injured program and held senior executive roles with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General and the Postal Regulatory Commission. Throughout her career, she has earned top commendations for fiscal stewardship, audit excellence, cost containment, and mission impact, including oversight of nationally significant initiatives such as presidential inaugurations and major Department of Defense programs.
Beyond her operational leadership, Kellie is a respected mentor, speaker, and educator. She has taught Congressional Communication to future senior leaders at the U.S. Army War College and is widely sought after for her executive engagement and thought leadership. Committed to service and empowerment, she is also the founder of I Am Restored and Whole, a nonprofit focused on helping women and veterans transition from trauma to triumph. Kellie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and remains dedicated to building coalitions, leading change, and developing the next generation of leaders.
• Executive Leadership Certification
• High Performance Leadership Certification
• Regent University
• Cornell University
• African American Federal Executives Association
• Blacks in Government (BIG)
• I Am Restored and Whole
• Phyletic Research Group, LLC
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discipline, perspective, faith, and resilience. My military and executive experiences taught me that leadership pressure is best managed through preparation, integrity, and a clear understanding of the mission. Staying grounded in those principles has allowed me to lead with confidence and purpose, even in the most complex environments.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from a combination of military mentors, senior federal leaders, and my own experiences. Both formal leadership development and real-world responsibilities have shaped my perspective, strengthened my confidence, and taught me how to lead effectively in complex environments.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to fully understand the mission, trust in their preparation, and not be intimidated by pressure. Perspective is key—leadership becomes far more manageable when it’s grounded in service and purpose rather than ego.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see some of the biggest challenges in public service as navigating political complexity, adapting to evolving regulatory environments, and managing resource constraints. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to lead ethically, practice strong financial stewardship, and mentor the next generation of public servants.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are service, integrity, accountability, faith, and stewardship. I believe that leadership should always be grounded in responsibility to others and a commitment to leaving systems stronger than I found them. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing, music, mentoring, and community service, with a particular focus on helping women—especially veterans—navigate transitions and reclaim purpose after challenging experiences.