Rebecca Kelly

Rebecca joined the Middle East Institute (MEI) in early 2025 and currently serves as the Chief of Staff for the Executive Office, where she supports the President and CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Board of Governors. Since joining the organization, she has helped build operational processes, directed executive communications, implemented organizational initiatives, organized events, and systemized onboarding/offboarding processes. She has also developed and enforced systems and procedures that strengthen institute security, compliance, and internal controls. Rebecca also serves as Board Secretary, managing board and committee functions, governance documentation, executive materials, and meeting coordination.

Prior to MEI, Rebecca worked with senior leadership at financial, artificial intelligence and research organizations in New York, Washington, DC, and London. More recently, she served as Chief of Staff at a lobbying firm, where she built internal controls, managed communications and business development, and drafted legislative requests on behalf of clients for members of Congress and congressional staff, primarily in the financial services and insurance sectors. She also oversaw PAC contributions, supervised research staff and interns, reviewed and edited materials, and managed hearing assignments and projects.

In New York, Rebecca supported the CEO of a research and business intelligence firm, advising on development and operations, identifying opportunities, and shaping the firm’s go-to-market strategy. She also managed executive communications, edited research, and drafted high-level briefs and reports. She also worked with the CEO, Chief Security Officer, and Chief Revenue Officer at an Artificial Intelligence company that builds AI-native customer experience platforms, managing all operational and administrative functions.

Earlier in her career, Rebecca was a member of Goldman Sachs’ Global Investment Research team that covered Technology, Media, and Education companies, where she managed senior-level engagements, stakeholder relations, and flagship events, including Communacopia and the Technology and Internet Conference.

Rebecca holds an M.Sc. in International Relations and Global Futures, with a focus on Transnational Security, and a B.A. in Organizational Behavior and Change from New York University (NYU).