KELLY POND
President & CEO
Special Olympics Southern California
KELLY POND
President & CEO
Special Olympics Southern California
A Leader Shaped by the Mission
Kelly Pond brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to her role as President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California, along with a lifelong commitment to inclusion. Her journey with Special Olympics began more than 25 years ago as a volunteer and grew into a 20-year career with SOSC, where she advanced through leadership roles in development, communications, operations, and executive leadership.
Since returning to SOSC as President and CEO in 2022, Kelly has helped guide the organization through significant growth, including the launch of a new strategic plan and the transition to a five-region operational model. Her experience spans fundraising, marketing, sports programming, volunteer engagement, and field operations, giving her a unique understanding of how the mission comes to life for athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters across Southern California.
A Leader Shaped by the Mission
Kelly Pond brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to her role as President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California, along with a lifelong commitment to inclusion. Her journey with Special Olympics began more than 25 years ago as a volunteer and grew into a 20-year career with SOSC, where she advanced through leadership roles in development, communications, operations, and executive leadership.
Since returning to SOSC as President and CEO in 2022, Kelly has helped guide the organization through significant growth, including the launch of a new strategic plan and the transition to a five-region operational model. Her experience spans fundraising, marketing, sports programming, volunteer engagement, and field operations, giving her a unique understanding of how the mission comes to life for athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters across Southern California.
Widely respected throughout the Special Olympics movement, Kelly is known for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to transparency, and ability to build meaningful relationships. Her work with Special Olympics programs across North America and around the world reflects a belief that every athlete deserves the opportunity to grow, compete, and thrive. Today, she remains focused on strengthening inclusive communities and creating new opportunities for athletes both on and off the field.
Widely respected throughout the Special Olympics movement, Kelly is known for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to transparency, and ability to build meaningful relationships. Her work with Special Olympics programs across North America and around the world reflects a belief that every athlete deserves the opportunity to grow, compete, and thrive. Today, she remains focused on strengthening inclusive communities and creating new opportunities for athletes both on and off the field.
I believe everyone should be seen and celebrated for their unique gifts, abilities, and for what they can do; and that is exactly what Special Olympics does. Over the 20 years that I had the honor to serve SOSC, I’ve seen firsthand how we transform lives through the power of sports. It is a great privilege to lead and support this team and partner with our athletes, staff, volunteer leaders, sponsors, and donors to build the SOSC of the future together.
— Kelly Pond
KELLY'S QUARTERLY UPDATE
JUNE 2026
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