Farewell, Kelly Rolf
Join us in saying until next time to PENCIL’s Chief Strategy Officer
It is with bittersweet excitement that we share that Kelly Rolf, one of our longtime team members, will be leaving PENCIL to step into a new role as Vice President of Development with Nashville Public Radio. While we will truly miss Kelly, we are thrilled for her next chapter. Over the past seven years, she played a pivotal role in growing PENCIL’s philanthropic footprint across Nashville.
For the PENCIL team, Kelly isn’t just a leader – she is a steady presence, trusted colleague, and generous mentor. She not only shaped the philosophy of our fundraising strategy, she also developed and nurtured the culture of philanthropy that our team will continue to live by. She personifies what it means to live by PENCIL’s values by modeling professionalism, kindness, and transparency.
Angie Adams, former President & CEO, recognized Kelly’s ability to build rich, meaningful relationships during her final interview with the entire PENCIL staff. “We all knew that Kelly was much more than a development professional, she was a natural leader,” reflected Angie. “She always approached her leadership with such a calm demeanor that she made everyone around her feel seen, heard, and appreciated.” Kelly always encouraged collaboration in decision-making with clarity and thoughtfulness, whether looking at the big-picture strategy or day-to-day reality.
During her seven years at PENCIL, Kelly’s expertise in fundraising and relationship building led to increased revenues of more than 65 percent. “Kelly strengthened our partnership with MNPS, helped us think more strategically about collaboration with community organizations, and leaves PENCIL in an exceptionally strong financial position,” said Christiane Buggs, PENCIL President & CEO. “Thanks to her leadership, PENCIL now has a healthy endowment, strong foundation partners committed to our future, and enduring relationships that will continue to benefit both Kelly and our organization.”
Kelly’s leadership extended beyond the staff to the boardroom. She showed up prepared to meetings, listened carefully, and responded thoughtfully. These qualities quickly led her to becoming a trusted partner, sounding board, and resource for PENCIL’s Board of Directors. “I want to express my deepest gratitude for the years of hard work, dedication, and absolute joy that Kelly brought to PENCIL,” remarked Kaitlyn Jones, Board Chair. “I am so grateful to call her a friend, and I know that we all have such fun memories of our time with Kelly. We will miss her dearly and wish her the best.”
Anyone who worked with Kelly at PENCIL wholeheartedly agrees with Kaitlyn’s sentiment. Her influence will continue to shape our work, and we are better because she was here.
