Her Story
About Kelly
Kelly Gardner, PMP, is a senior program manager with nearly 27 years of experience supporting federal government programs across both defense and civilian agencies. Currently working at a small business supporting government contracts, Kelly manages complex program and project work for clients including the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Department of Commerce, IRS, and DHS. She is known for her practical, hands-on approach to program management, her ability to navigate complex bureaucratic environments, and her talent for building high-performing, cross-functional teams that deliver results in fast-moving, high-stakes settings. She holds an active DoD Secret clearance and is recognized for connecting strategy to execution in ways that improve performance and accountability.
Kelly’s career began in the oil spill response sector, where she wrote response plans and supported training and exercises before transitioning into management consulting and federal program management. Over the course of her career, she has supported a wide range of federal programs, led multimillion-dollar efforts, and staffed and managed large, dispersed teams. Among her proudest professional accomplishments is leading two major IRS contracts, managing a workforce of approximately 120 people while delivering strong performance outcomes and client satisfaction. Her experience spans operational leadership, acquisition and cost strategy, PMO development, and workforce management across domestic and international environments.
Professionally, Kelly is deeply focused on government contracting and federal program management, with an emphasis on mentorship, continuous learning, and building strong professional networks. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and completed a graduate certificate in natural resources after beginning graduate study in the field. A PMP-certified professional, she is currently pursuing CMMI training and certification. Kelly is an active member of the Project Management Institute and a Gamma Phi Beta alumna, with past civic and volunteer involvement including Kiwanis, the U.S. Embassy Club in Manila, the Officer Spouses Club in Sicily, and the Rotary Club of Stafford. She is also a long-time supporter of the March of Dimes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong mentorship early in my career, especially my first boss at Booz Allen, Will Healy, who challenged me with demanding work and taught me how to think and operate as a management consultant. I’ve also learned a great deal by learning on the job, saying yes to development opportunities, and building a network of mentors and peers who continue to push me to grow.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I’d encourage young women to be clear about why they want to enter the field and what skills they bring, and to take the time to understand the realities and expectations of government contracting and management consulting. Just as important, build relationships early—connecting with the right people can open doors, provide context, and accelerate your growth.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities—and challenges—in my field is networking and personal branding, particularly using platforms like LinkedIn to make your work and expertise visible. With so many project managers in the space, standing out requires being intentional about how you differentiate yourself and communicate your value.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are mentorship, service to the community, and a commitment to continuous learning. I also place a high priority on supporting others’ professional growth and helping people succeed.
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