Kelli Gardner

Kelli Gardner joined the College of Agricultural Sciences Development Team in 2010 as a development assistant before moving to a stewardship role and progressing toward her current position, being named the senior associate director of alumni relations and stewardship in 2025. She leads and manages our engagement team, overseeing all alumni relations and stewardship activities. She strategically guides our efforts to cultivate deeper connections with alumni and friends, ensuring their sustained and meaningful involvement with the College.  Kelli directly assists college departments and programs in their stewardship efforts; and manages the team's non-traveling staff. She joined Penn State in 2008 as a staff assistant in the University's Gift Planning Office after working for the Big Brother/Big Sister Program of State College, other nonprofits, and a law firm.

Kelli hails from Long Island, New York and has a bachelor's degree in sociology and social work from Lock Haven University. She resides in Bellefonte with her dog, Binky. Outside of work, Kelli loves cheering on her favorite NY sports teams, spending time with family and friends, volunteering at a local animal shelter, and appreciating the outdoors through hiking, hosting dog meet-ups, kayaking, and paddleboarding.