kelly blandford

Kelly Blandford joined Johnson County Park and Recreation District as Development Director in January of 2023, and also serves as Executive Director for The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County. Kelly brings years of fundraising, legislative strategy, and land acquisition experience to JCPRD and the Foundation. Prior to joining JCPRD, she worked for The Nature Conservancy in Kansas as Director of Philanthropy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Kansas and a Master's degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from Duke University. She grew up in Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.

 Kelly is passionate about conservation, animal welfare, and the arts. Outside of her role with the Foundation, she enjoys traveling to new places, live music, and time with family and friends. Kelly currently serves as Chair of the Blue River Urban Waters Federal Partnership in Kansas City, and on the Public Policy Committee for the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association. Her favorite JCPRD park is Shawnee Mission Park where she enjoys hiking and bird watching.