America’s Service Commissions names John Kelly as incoming CEO

America’s Service Commissions has chosen Serve Colorado Executive Director John Kelly to become its next CEO on Aug. 24. The leadership change comes as the national association looks to expand service, volunteerism and cross-sector partnerships across the 52 state and territorial commissions.

Why it matters: - ASC is the national voice for the 52 governor-led state and territorial service commissions. - The organization helps shape how service and volunteer programs are supported across the U.S. - State service commissions administer more than 75% of federal AmeriCorps funds. - Kelly’s appointment signals continuity and a push to strengthen service as both a civic and workforce tool.

What happened: - The Board of Directors of America’s Service Commissions unanimously approved John Kelly of Denver as the organization’s next CEO. - Kelly currently serves as executive director of Serve Colorado, the state service commission housed in the Office of Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera. - Kelly will assume the ASC role on Aug. 24. - Chris Bugbee, ASC chair and CEO of the OneStar Foundation, said Kelly is positioned to lead during a critical period for the organization and the broader service field.

The details: - ASC has operated for nearly 30 years as a nonpartisan national membership association. - The group supports commissioners, service commission staff, governors’ offices, policymakers and national partners. - State commissions administer service and volunteer programs and partner with local communities to host AmeriCorps programs. - ASC says the commissions mobilize AmeriCorps volunteers to help solve local challenges and promote volunteering. - Kelly has more than 25 years of experience in social-sector leadership. - His background includes public-private partnerships, grantmaking strategy and service and volunteerism work. - Kelly has worked at the community level, in the White House and on the leadership team at the Corporation for National and Community Service. - Kelly said ASC is at the center of a pivotal moment for service and wants to help position service as both a workforce and civic solution.

Between the lines: - ASC is choosing a leader with experience across government, philanthropy and national service systems. - The hire suggests the organization wants to deepen its role in coalition-building and funding strategy. - The emphasis on workforce and civic impact reflects a broader effort to make service more relevant to public policy goals.

What’s next: - Kelly will take over as CEO on Aug. 24. - ASC is likely to continue working with state commissions, governors’ offices and AmeriCorps partners under Kelly’s leadership. - The organization’s next phase will focus on advancing innovative service models and expanding support for the commission network.

The bottom line: - ASC is bringing in a veteran of state and federal service leadership to guide the network through a period of change and opportunity.