Kevin Kelley, ABC
Marketing Communications Manager
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
IABC Member since 1990
Kevin Kelley is economical with words, yet his communications are rich with content. As Marketing Communications Manager for Beckman Coulter, Inc., a leading manufacturer of biomedical testing systems, Kevin works to enhance health care around the world. His diverse career is a lesson in adaptation with the reward of lasting and dramatic work experiences that we can all benefit from. Read on to learn how this enthusiast of musical instruments that “go twang” makes a difference in the world.
Birthplace
Lynwood, California
Current residence
La Verne, California
Favorite quote
“Divide and rule, a sound motto. Unite and lead, a better one.”
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Three words that best describe me
Energetic. Motivated. Fun.
When I’m not working, you can find me
At a concert or sporting event. I play guitar and banjo. I had a 10-year career as a radio DJ in Sacramento and San Jose. I have an FCC radiotelephone license.
MY LIFE IN COMMUNICATIONS
The biggest communications challenge I have faced in my current role:
Providing global media interviews for nearly 40 straight hours after the 1994 Northridge earthquake (concerning electrical outages). Another was providing media interviews on site at the Hollywood Boulevard sinkhole in 1995—related to a subway construction project. A third special memory relates to working in-country on power project communications in the Philippines in 2003.
My favorite communication memory:
I spent many years in the energy industry, so the learning curve in the biomedical field was daunting. However, I discovered that steep curve provided renewed “energy” and enthusiasm for communications. After coming up-to-speed with biomedical knowledge, I was better able to adapt my previous communications experience to successful plans and activities in my current position.
The most important communications or professional lesson I’ve learned is…
Communicate quickly, simply, and with minimum perceived spin. If you don’t know something, say so.
A resource I really find useful and recommend to other communicators is …
Benchmark Communications media training (Texas) (www.benchmarkcommunicationsinc.com)
OH, HOW FAR I’VE COME
(Career/Resume Highlights)
I have been an IABC member since 1990 and am a proud recipient of an IABC Global Gold Quill award. I am ABC accredited and I support the organization by conducting accreditation testing.
[IABC Accreditation is the professional development program that offers communicators a way of demonstrating their ability to think and plan strategically. For more information, visit iabc.com/abc/.]
2006 – Present
Marketing Communications Manager
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
2005 – 2006
Public Affairs, Special Projects
Southern California Edison
1997-2005
Manager, Media Relations (1999-2005)
Manager, BPI Communications (2004-2005)
Manager, Corporate Communications, Washington, D.C. Bureau (1997-1999)
Edison International
Education
Master of Arts, Public Relations
University of La Verne – La Verne, California
Bachelor of Arts, Communications Studies
California State University, Sacramento – Sacramento, California
Advanced Business Management Program
University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
This profile was edited by IABC-LA member and volunteer Cheryl Farrell.