“It was critically important to work to bridge the gap between Caucasians and people of color, especially in the area we were in, and we had several novel ways to help develop that effort,” Greenwood says. This accomplishment set the pace and showed the country what could be done; other universities followed.

In 2004, she co-founded with Dr. Betty Turner Asher a women-owned executive search firm, Greenwood/Asher, specializing in higher education. “Diversity continues to be a core value,” Greenwood says. She has been a strong role model for university leaders, guiding search committees through difficult conversations, listening to both their concerns and that of the candidates, to make the right match.

Of all searches conducted by Greenwood/Asher, approximately 57% have led to clients choosing a diverse candidate. When she and Asher began to contemplate the next phase of Greenwood/Asher, it was important to them to join a company that also valued diversity in the workforce. Kelly acquired Greenwood/Asher & Associates in November 2020, and she is excited by the possibilities ahead.