Kelly Esti, Ph.D.
Enriching Society Through INNOVATION
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A Bit About Me
June 2022 - Present
July 2017 - May 2021
January 2014 - June 2020
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Board Member, Hapeville Board of Zoning Appeals (Two Terms)
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Completed UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government Planning & Zoning Workshop
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Contributing to municipal development decisions and zoning regulations
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Applying specialized knowledge from planning and zoning certification
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Board Member & Academic Performance Chair, The Main Street Academy Charter School
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Led academic oversight committee ensuring charter compliance and curriculum excellence
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Guided school operations through COVID-19 pandemic response
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Achieved consistent improvement in student performance metrics
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Managed $15M+ annual budget and strategic planning initiatives
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Legislative Chair & Board Member, Georgia Equality
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Spearheaded successful opposition to Religious Freedom Bill (2015)
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Expanded organizational influence in state legislature
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Established Executive Committee governance structure
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Collaborated with Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on policy initiatives
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Secured additional LGBTQ protections through legislative action
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD)
PUBLIC POLICY & POLICY ANALYSIS | WALDEN UNIVERSITY | 2018
Completed doctoral research focused on poverty eradication strategies, culminating in dissertation "Quantitative Poverty: Can Poverty Really Be Eradicated."
Research contributed to the field of economic policy and poverty studies, with publication archived in the Library of Congress (2018). Specialized in quantitative analysis methodologies and policy impact assessment.
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) | FINANCE
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY | 2007
Advanced degree concentrated in financial markets, investment analysis, and portfolio management. Coursework emphasized strategic financial planning, risk assessment, and market analysis, preparing for roles in financial services and securities trading.​
BACHELOR OF ARTS | MANAGEMENT
OTTAWA UNIVERSITY | 2006
Undergraduate studies focused on business administration and management principles while actively serving in the U.S. Navy. Program emphasized practical application of management theory, organizational behavior, and business operations.
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
SOUTH PIKE HIGH SCHOOL | 1999
Graduated as Salutatorian, demonstrating academic excellence through participation in Advanced Placement programs and maintaining superior academic standing throughout secondary education.
NUCLEAR TRAINED SAILOR
UNITED STATES NAVY | 1999-2004
Served as a distinguished member of the U.S. Navy's nuclear program aboard the USS Henry M Jackson, achieving several notable distinctions as the first and only Black Nuclear Operator during my service period on the vessel.
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Key Achievements:
• Accelerated submarine qualification completion (77 days)
• Direct management of nuclear power station operations
• Advanced technical training in nuclear systems and operations
• Secret/Top Secret security clearance holder
• Expertise in nuclear propulsion systems and power generation
• Critical role in maintaining vessel operational readiness
• Specialized training in emergency response and safety protocols
