Kelly McGraw is the Chief Executive Officer of The Honor Foundation (THF), a national nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. military and their families transition successfully from active duty service to civilian life.

Kelly brings a uniquely integrated perspective to this work, shaped by more than two decades as the spouse of a Navy SEAL officer during the Global War on Terror, a decade in corporate roles across sales, marketing, and consulting, and 17 years leading growth and fundraising within mission-driven organizations. Her husband, now retired, is a THF alumnus, giving her both personal and professional insight into the transition journey.

She believes the greatest challenge in military transition is not merely finding employment after a life of service, but also finding personal identity and fulfillment in the civilian sector. While other programs focus on resumes and job placement, Kelly has helped position THF at the forefront of a different approach: one that begins with deep introspection, aligning a veteran’s strengths, values, and goals to a meaningful and sustainable next chapter.

Since joining THF in 2020, Kelly has led the organization’s development strategy through a period of significant national growth, supporting thousands of military families annually while driving sustained year-over-year expansion. As CEO, she is focused on scaling THF’s impact with operational discipline, grounded in her belief that healthy nonprofits should operate with the same clarity, accountability, and respect for people as high-performing businesses.

Under her leadership, THF is working to become the nation’s most trusted career transition organization while transforming how military service is understood and valued as a pathway to leadership and success in the private sector.

Kelly is known for building high-performing teams by setting clear expectations and empowering individuals to lead from where they are. She values hard work and excellence while fostering a culture where people are trusted to grow, take ownership, and contribute to mission success. When under pressure, she moves quickly and is inclined to take on the work herself, but is intentional about slowing down to develop others and build long-term team strength.

Her commitment to this mission is deeply personal. After witnessing both the successes and struggles of transition within the Special Operations community—including the loss of teammates—she is driven to ensure that those who have served at the highest levels continue to lead purposeful, fulfilling lives beyond the military.

Kelly is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Presidential Leadership Scholar, and a graduate of the University of Michigan. She lives in Tampa, Florida, with her family, who continue to serve.