Kelly was an AMIGOS Volunteer in Guatemala in 1970. He continued his AMIGOS experience as a member of the field staff in Guatemala and Nicaragua in 1971 and 1972, Project Director in Honduras and Ecuador in 1973 and as Regional Director for Central America in 1974 and 1975. He joined the IO staff following graduation from the University of Arizona and was Latin American Program Director in 1976 and 1977. He joined the AMIGOS Board of Directors in 2010.

Kelly attended the University of Arizona, Thunderbird School of Global Management and obtained his MBA at Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

Kelly is currently Director of Almond and Tree Nut Marketing for Western Milling in California.