Kelly Ground
Kelly Ground is a seasoned leader in affiliate and partnership marketing with over 20 years of experience driving growth and innovation across diverse industries. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of breakingGround Solutions, where she helps brands scale their partnership programs and implement strategic marketing initiatives. Kelly also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Performance Marketing Association, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance to the organization.
Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently delivered transformative results. As Chief Growth Officer at an acquisition marketing publisher, she led initiatives that achieved more than 100% user acquisition growth, earning her recognition as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Tampa in 2024. Previously, as Senior Director of Strategy and Insights at Acceleration Partners, she guided global affiliate marketing programs for over six years and was named a Top 30 Partnership Marketing Changemaker in the US by Hello Partner in 2023.
Kelly’s experience also includes senior marketing roles at HSN, where she managed hundreds of affiliate partners and drove significant revenue growth through affiliate and display programs. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including employee benefits publishing, manufacturing, and telecommunications, highlighting her adaptability and strategic acumen.
A recognized thought leader, Kelly frequently speaks at affiliate marketing conferences and contributes to industry publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Journalism from Clemson University.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog. She is actively involved in her children’s sports activities, cheering them on at soccer matches and golf outings, reflecting her commitment to both family and community alongside her professional pursuits.
• Clemson University - BA
• Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society
• Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Organization
• Digital Marketing at USF - Advisory Board Member
• Performance Marketing Association - Board Member
What do you attribute your success to?
Building meaningful relationships. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many amazing people throughout my career and still keep in touch with many former colleagues and partners. Those relationships have been instrumental in helping me launch my consulting business and continue to be a resource for anyone seeking affiliate or partnership marketing support.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be so hard on yourself when you make a mistake. Mistakes are necessary for growth — they teach you what not to do and provide an opportunity to improve next time.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn as much as you can from every leader — and peer — you encounter. Raise your hand for projects, especially those that excite you. It’s incredibly rewarding to master a new task for the first time and to challenge yourself outside of your comfort zone.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Affiliate and partnership marketing is growing faster than ever, fueled by the rise of influencer marketing. Consumers today are far more savvy than they were even 5–10 years ago, so it’s critical to integrate affiliate programs into the customer journey — not just to acquire new customers, but to retain your most valuable ones.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family time is my top priority. I intentionally balance meetings and projects so I can be present at my kids’ soccer practices, games, and golf matches — those moments are irreplaceable. When I make time for the things I love, I show up as a better marketer and a better leader.
Locations
breakingGround Solutions
Brandon, FL 33511