NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan has announced the promotion of Keri Floyd Kelly to director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Nissan Group of North America. Kelly is responsible for developing diversity and inclusion strategies to integrate into the Nissan business, steering the Executive and Advisory Diversity Councils, and cultivating sustained relationships with civic and community leaders and organizations.
“Keri’s experience and leadership make her the right person for this very important position,” said Jeremie Papin, senior vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and chairperson, Nissan Americas. “With Keri’s expertise, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of Nissan’s business and meaningfully advance our culture.”
Kelly previously held the position of senior manager, Americas Diversity Office, at Nissan. Her professional background spans across multiple disciplines. She has held positions of increasing responsibility in finance, product strategy, marketing, purchasing, and human resources. In addition to her vast automotive career, she also has prior experience in the defense industry.
“I live by the mantras of ‘Do what is right’ and ‘Be boldly you,’ “said Kelly. “I’m stepping into this critical role at a critical time in society. I am enthusiastic to continue the DEI initiatives of Nissan and to be a part of a team that inspires and influences lasting change, respect and appreciation for our differences.”
Kelly holds a master’s in business administration from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s in business administration, accounting from Tennessee State University. She is a member of Youth About Business National Board of Directors and is chair of the Tennessee State University College of Business Alumni Board. Kelly is located in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Nissan Foundation also recently announced it is awarding $697,000 in grants to 28 nonprofit organizations for its 2021 grant cycle. The nonprofit recipients are located in Southern California, Tennessee, Texas, Central Mississippi, Southeast Michigan and the New York and Atlanta metro areas – all locations where Nissan has an operational presence.
Over its 29-year history, the Nissan Foundation has awarded approximately $13 million to more than 150 organizations offering educational programs that bring diverse cultural perspectives, experiences and voices to communities across the country.
“For nearly 30 years, the Nissan Foundation has been committed to amplifying the efforts of nonprofit organizations doing the important work of sharing diverse cultural perspectives and experiences with communities across the country,” said Andrew Tavi, president of the Nissan Foundation. “At perhaps no other time in recent history has the work of these organizations been so critical. We are proud to support their efforts to inspire people to embrace the value of our differences.”
