Meet our New Head of Programs – Kelly Skeith

Integrity welcomes our new colleague, Kelly Skeith, Head of Programs, based in our US office. We caught up with Kelly to find out more about her background, new role at Integrity and her priorities during her first months with the company:

Could you please introduce yourself? What is your background?

My name is Kelly Skeith and I’m Integrity’s new Head of Programs based in Washington DC. I’m coming to Integrity from Freedom House, an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world. I oversaw the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) services for FH’s 40+ human rights and democracy and governance grants around the world. Prior to FH, I worked at Social Impact, a global development management consulting firm, where I was Deputy Director of their performance evaluation practice. I have a Masters degree in Economics and Political Development with a concentration in Conflict and Humanitarian Emergencies and a Bachelors degree in International Business. I’m originally from New Jersey (right outside Philadelphia), and I currently live here in Washington, DC with my husband and 2.5 year old daughter.

Could you explain what your new role with Integrity will entail?

This is an exciting position as I’m helping Integrity’s CEO, Anthony Ellis, and the rest of the Integrity team grow and develop our work to the US government. This includes introducing Integrity to key players in the US market and growing Integrity’s qualifications and business with US-based clients. Specifically, I’ll continue to develop the business strategy for the US MEL service, leading the technical design of bids for new MEL projects for clients including USAID and the US Department of State (DoS). I will also play a leadership role on contracted projects, including on technical delivery, project management, and oversight. I’ll also support the training of staff members and the articulation and development of Integrity’s MEL Strategy in line with the wider Company Strategy.

What will be your priorities within your first few months as Head of Programs?

First will be understanding and being able to articulate Integrity’s impressive experience and goals. I’ll also be working on building working relationships with key US based MEL clients, partners and accounts. We also have a few exciting opportunities to prime our first USAID MEL contracts, so I’ll be focused on developing strong teams and proposals for those bids.

Could you tell us what attracted you to Integrity?

The first thing that attracted me to Integrity was the description of being an ethical service provider. I was very intrigued by an organization that put that front and center to its mission and approach. Upon further research, I was really impressed with Integrity’s founding story and desire to contribute to evidence-based decision making by the international community. Finally, the Integrity staff I met and continue to meet have made it clear that Integrity really is made up of the best in the business. I feel really honored to join the team.

Read more about the opening of our US office here.