Colonel Michael Todd Kelly is a native of Cary, North Carolina and commissioned as an infantry officer in 1994 from the United States Military Academy. During his twenty-seven-year career, Colonel Kelly served in command and staff positions in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.

His tactical assignments include 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division; 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division; the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Regimental Combat Team; and the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan.

He has participated in multiple broadening assignments throughout his career to include senior military advisor to the Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Executive Officer for the Systems, Concepts, and Integration Panel in the Collaboration Support Office in NATO’s Science and Technology Organization, a Congressional Fellow in the United States Senate and Deputy Director for the United States Army Soldier-For-Life program.

Most recently, Colonel Kelly served as the Director of Legislative Affairs, Headquarters, Resolute Support and United States Forces – Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Colonel Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, a Master of Professional Studies Degree in Political Management (Legislative Affairs) from The George Washington University and is a graduate of the Pakistan National Defense University.

His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Ranger Tab.

COL Kelly and his spouse, the former Ms. Laura Chandler, have seven children and six grandchildren.