Kelly Megel most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing for True Value. Kelly led the digital transformation of the marketing department including the development of a New Services Model for small-business operations, built a New Retail Media Network specializing in digital placements for partners, and revived the iconic True Value brand. Her efforts, in partnership with her team, were designed to support 4500+ small-business owners and local communities every day.
Her past experiences include managing blue-chip brands like Oreo, Chips Ahoy!, Flintstones, Pearle Vision, and most recently, Discover Financial Services, where, as VP of Marketing she managed the Brand Team, Media Team, Sponsorships and the internal creative agency. It was there Kelly transformed media measurement with data and analytics partners and developed foundational work for marketing creative and media centers of excellence, allowing for shared experiences to maximize growth potential across the organization.
Her specialties include strategy and positioning, data-driven media and marketing management, ROI/Measurement, and developing creative that drives the business.
Kelly is currently a member of the Executive Club of Chicago, where she is an Executive Mentor. She is a Board Member for the Out of Home Advertising Association and a member of the Kellogg Executive Women’s network, Chief, and the CMO Collective. Additionally, Kelly was also recently a recipient of the “Crain’s Chicago Business Top Marketers To Watch” award. Kelly is a Michigan State University alum and recent graduate of The Kellogg School of Management Executive MBA program at Northwestern, where she served as the Cohort Ambassador and helped to lead the Executive Speaker Committee and member of the DE&I Committee. Kelly also recently completed a one-year fellowship with The U.S. Marketing Academy.
Raised by a high school teacher and as a mother herself, Kelly believes in giving all children the support they need to thrive and is excited to bring her expertise and passion to the Back 2 School America Board.
Kelly and her husband, Chris, reside in Wilmette, and enjoy dancing in their kitchen with their three kids and two French Bulldogs (Goose and Maverick).
