Education and the economy: Joe Kelly announces run for LCCC Board of Trustees

CHEYENNE – A father, business owner and financial advisor, Joe Kelly feels he would bring a unique perspective to the Laramie County Community College Board of Trustees.

“There are some great things happening at LCCC currently,” Kelly wrote in an email to the WTE about his candidacy. “My priorities will be to continue to build talent within the programs offered, as well as adapt current programs, as needed, and explore new opportunities in our ever-changing economic environment.”

Kelly’s financial background has framed some of his goals should he be elected a trustee. He told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle by email that he believes it’s important to look for opportunities to generate more necessary dollars to offset inflationary costs.

“As a business owner, I have experience in managing budgets, facing economic challenges and finding opportunities for growth,” Kelly wrote. “I am excited to bring a new, forward-looking perspective to LCCC that will not only grow the college, but our entire Laramie County community.”

Alongside raising his two girls, Kelly told the WTE that he has spent numerous years mentoring and coaching the youth of Cheyenne.

“I feel that my new perspective will greatly complement the board and will help drive continued momentum at LCCC,” Kelly wrote. “As a business owner, parent and taxpayer, I have a personal responsibility to make sure our funds are being used in a business-like manner that will help make Laramie County the best place to work, live and raise a family.”

Kelly said he believes LCCC can best serve students by continuing to offer programs that give them training for the current job market. He also believes that those programs should be adapted to align with the future of Cheyenne’s local economy.

“This is imperative to ensure that Laramie County is economically sustainable,” Kelly wrote. “We want our students to have the training and skill set that will prepare them to become productive and qualified employees in our Laramie County workforce.”

If elected, Kelly will address creating economic opportunities in Wyoming that he believes would allow students to stay in Wyoming after graduation.

“LCCC’s ability to impact our region economically comes directly from the quality of the programs and faculty at the college,” Kelly wrote. “We need to continue to hire and maintain the best faculty in their specialized fields of study to ensure excellence in our programs.”

If elected, Kelly said he will work to ensure the economic and academic success of the college. He told the WTE via email that this will put students in the best possible position to continue their education or graduate into the workforce.

Kelly aspires to work directly with businesses and major industries in the Cheyenne community. He sees this as an opportunity to align academic programs with the needs of local businesses.

“Considering new baccalaureate programs at LCCC will give our students more ability to move right into our workforce, and bring more competitive wages and careers to our community,” Kelly told the WTE via email.

Kelly sees himself as a next-generation business and community leader who is looking to help guide the local economy and create opportunities.

“I will bring a new perspective to the board with a business mindset towards future economic development in Laramie County,” Kelly told the WTE via email. “Building talent at LCCC is crucial to the economic development of Laramie County, and that is a high priority for me.”

While the current board hasn’t inspired his run for school board, Kelly told the WTE that he is passionate about his vision and wants to bring that to the board. He is incredibly focused on the economic opportunities the college could offer the community.

If elected, Kelly will bring his business experience and ideals to the table. He told the WTE that he wants to work toward a fresh, forward-looking perspective on the board.

“Having a business owner like myself, with a vision toward driving economic opportunities in Laramie County, on the Board of Trustees will help lead LCCC into the future,” Kelly told the WTE via email.

Kelly is one of six candidates running for four openings on the LCCC Board of Trustees. Being a trustee is a nonpartisan, unpaid position with a term of four years. Registered voters in Laramie County can vote for the LCCC Board of Trustees on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.