Based in Basalt, Colorado, Kelly Vaughn has nearly 20 years’ experience in strategic marketing and communications. Her career has largely focused on climate and sustainability, however her skills in creative storytelling, content generation, and collaboration translate well into architecture and design sector and she looks forward to helping 159 Design “punch far above their weight” in their brand visibility and notoriety.

Kelly was formerly the Marketing Director for RMI, a globally renowned nonprofit organization focused on the clean energy transition. There, she managed communications strategy and strategic campaign implementation primarily for the buildings and development teams. She was RMI’s senior PR coordinator from 2008–2012 departing to serve as the director of communications for the Town of Snowmass Village. There, she was responsible for overseeing and executing all facets of marketing and communications for the government organization, and driving a deeper level of community engagement. She also served as liaison to the town’s environmental advisory board and helped champion significant investments in building efficiency and resource conservation while updating the town’s sustainability plan. Her background includes collegiate soccer recruiting and coaching, and communications consulting for nonprofits. Kelly has extensive experience in marketing and communications strategy, public relations, writing, internal communications, crisis communications, and project management.

She holds a Masters of Arts in Communications from the University of Dubuque, and a Bachelors of Art in Studio Art from Colorado College.