Kelli Adams

Kelli Adams is a dynamic community and workforce development leader in Michigan with nearly two decades of nonprofit experience spanning human resources, grant management, social impact and philanthropy, and employee retention. Across Southwest Michigan and beyond, she has established herself as an innovator in talent engagement and retention, developing strategies that empower employers to optimize their workforces while delivering meaningful community impact.

As Director of the Southwest Michigan Employer Resource Network® (SWMERN) at the Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions, housed within the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, Kelli leads initiatives that align employer needs with effective, data-informed practices. Her work focuses on scalable solutions that improve job quality, increase retention, and promote equitable access to opportunity.

Kelli is a Certified Workplace Stability Trainer and a recognized advocate for equitable, high-performance workplace cultures. Her leadership drives measurable improvements in employee engagement, talent development, and sustainable economic growth within Southwest Michigan and beyond.