Kelli Gardner

Kelli Gardner joined the College of Agricultural Sciences Development Team in 2010 as a development assistant before being named the assistant director of stewardship in 2012. She oversees endowments and annual funds; makes sure gift agreements are followed and donors are thanked; assists college departments and programs in their stewardship efforts; supports the college's gift officers by providing publications, reports, and more to help them connect with donors; and manages the 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, Josie. 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.