Growing up on a fifth-generation family farm and learning the innerworkings of a small business, she considers law a toolkit for businesses at all stages of growth.  As a past state FFA officer (where she served as State Secretary from 2014 – 2015), Kelly traveled the state serving youth in agriculture and learning about Wisconsin agriculture.  Prior to joining Ruder Ware, she worked as associate counsel for a bank well known in ag lending circles.  Kelly looks forward to returning to her roots in agriculture, and as a member of our team, she will continue developing her ag practice, working with producers on commercial contracts, business entity selection and formation, and farm succession planning.  In addition, she’ll continue her work in the banking industry advising banks, bank holding companies, and other financial institutions on matters including bank holding company formations, capital raises, mergers, acquisitions, branch purchases, and other regulatory matters involving the FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, and state regulators.

In her free time, Kelly enjoys helping on her family’s farm and spending time with her young nephew (quite possibly the sixth generation to take over the family farm).  She’s active in sports, playing volleyball and golfing and coaching youth softball. Kelly likes watching sports nearly as well as playing and can be found cheering on the Packers and Badgers during football season.

Civic Activities

• Manitowoc County Breakfast on the Farm, Marketing Co-Chair (2019–present)
• Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Tour Guide (2014–present, various years)

Professional Activities

• American Agricultural Law Association, Member (2017–present)
• Manitowoc County Farm Bureau, Board Member (2018–2020, 2021–present)
• The Chamber of Manitowoc County, Volunteer (2014–present)
• Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Member (2015–present)