Who is Dr. Kelly Drummond?
I am a mother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, coach, confidant, leader, student, and teacher.
I have over 35 years of crafting and growing my professional abilities – human resource development and leadership development. I spent so many years thinking that I was my profession. I have been blessed with great mentors, great friends, and a great support system, but I never felt good enough. The more I accomplished academically and professionally, the less I felt as a woman, a wife, a friend, and a mother.
“To whom much is given, much is required.”
That is how I live my life.
Although this concept guided me professionally and personally, I never believed that I could pay enough because I felt so unworthy of what I was given. It was not until I faced some real health issues, marital abandonment and a divorce after 30 years of marriage, and the death of my mother, all in one year, that I realized that my faith and my resilience taught me that I was enough. It was a long journey, but it brought me to a place of self-value, self-love, and the ultimate love. I also learned that when I shared my path from pain to purpose, I could help other women through their evolution.
I am a woman who understands struggle, pain, insecurity, and professional success. I am finding my purpose in helping other individuals find their way. I am enough even when I don’t feel like it.
I am real, and my soul is in bloom.
Dr. Kelly Drummond
Dr. Kelly Drummond is a certified professional in Human Resources through the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management. As the current Director of Human Resources with the City of Knoxville, Kelly administers the compensation/classification system, talent acquisition, pre-employment processes, employee training, employee relations, and assists directors in employee discipline. Prior to this role, she worked as the Vice President of Human Resource and Leadership Development with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and the Executive Director of Human Resources for Knox County Schools. She also served as a national trainer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and facilitated national trainings on leadership, human resources development, employee motivation, and personal effectiveness.
Dr. Kelly currently serves as an instructor at the UT Center for Professional Education. She also facilitates the SHRM Certification course at Roane State Community College. Kelly holds a doctorate degree in Education with a concentration in Human Resource Development from Lincoln Memorial University. Dr. Drummond is also a certified professional leadership coach.
Dr. Kelly is a commission member for the Tennessee Commission on Children, board member of the YWCA Knoxville, a member of the Knoxville Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and a member of the Community Health Council. Kelly is a graduate of the 2011 Class of Leadership Knoxville.
Kelly has two adult sons, Eric and Jeffrey, but her baby is her 10 year old Pekachi – Leo Mufasa.