Kelly E. Smith’s professional journey reflects visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to excellence across equity compensation, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and human capital development. As chief operating officer and chief people officer at Nomad Cyber Concepts LLC, she leads strategic modernization and people-focused initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, scale operations, and align workforce strategies with innovation in artificial intelligence governance and cybersecurity. In this role, she has been instrumental in developing the organization’s internal framework, managing stock administration as a central hub, and mentoring individuals in their personal and professional growth.
Ms. Smith’s academic background has been central to her success. She completed public administration studies at Golden Gate University and earned a Juris Doctor from the School of Law at Abraham Lincoln University. She also holds an associate degree in paralegal studies from Phillips Graduate University. In addition, she earned certification from the Certified Equity Professional Institute at Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, achieving Level III certification. Her training includes United States Naval Training and multiple small business, women, minority and veteran certifications.
Ms. Smith is also president and chief executive officer of Smith Equity & Financial Consulting Group Inc., which she founded as a sole proprietorship in 2007 under the name Smith Equity Consulting LLC. She incorporated the firm in 2010 and later transitioned it to an S corporation in 2022. Under her leadership, the firm has transformed how Fortune 100 and 500 companies approach equity compensation, governance and legal operations, earning a reputation for integrity, innovation and precision. Achieving her childhood dream of business ownership, she takes pride in her company’s success, reflecting on her journey from rural Rochester, Pennsylvania, where she first envisioned entrepreneurship at age 12.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Ms. Smith founded Becoming Whole Institute and Becoming Whole Ministries, empowering individuals to embrace authenticity, healing and spiritual growth. Through these organizations, she leads programs that build resilience and foster transformative leadership. She also oversees Shunammite Enterprises LLC, home of Kelly Smith Speaks, through which she inspires audiences as a speaker, strategist and mentor.
Ms. Smith’s career began with honorable service in the United States Navy during the Gulf War, where she developed the discipline and leadership that shaped her professional path. After her military service, she joined the corporate compliance department at Cooley Godward, where she was introduced to stock administration and equity compensation for private clients. Guided by mentor Michelle Hughes, she transitioned to The Stock Plan, a consulting firm specializing in equity compensation administration, marking the start of her career in that field.
Ms. Smith’s expertise spans equity compensation administration, corporate governance and compliance, legal operations, auditing, analytics, capital events, global benefits and executive leadership. She is known for her ability to develop strategies that balance operational efficiency with people-centered leadership. She is also an active member of professional organizations, including Black Enterprise Institutions, SAM and the AARP Supplier Diversity Network.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Smith is deeply dedicated to service and community empowerment. She volunteers regularly at her local food pantry and supports initiatives that provide resources to families in need. Through Becoming Whole Institute and Becoming Whole Ministries, she leads programs that cultivate leadership, spiritual growth and community engagement. Her civic work reflects her belief in empowerment and her responsibility to uplift others; values rooted in her military service and central to her personal mission.
An accomplished author and workshop leader, Ms. Smith has written several books, including “Forgiveness: THE KEY to Wholeness,” “Fixing the Toxic Father-Daughter Relationship,” “Know Yourself First – Who Are You?,” “Offering the Sacrifice of Fools – The Tongue is a Flame of Fire,” “The Manifested Sons of God” and “Guard the Boundaries: A Journey of Integrity, Legacy, and Faith.” Each work reflects her commitment to helping others find healing, authenticity and purpose.
Looking ahead, Ms. Smith plans to transition from her consulting firm to focus on her executive role at Nomad Cyber Concepts, advancing artificial intelligence governance and cybersecurity consulting. She envisions Nomad Cyber Concepts as a leading advisory firm guiding Congress and major corporations on AI-related issues. She also intends to expand her ministry, emphasizing the importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world, and to serve as a trusted advisor and board member for both corporate and nonprofit organizations.