Kelly Coldiron

Kelly Coldiron serves as Acting Executive Director of SelectUSA, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Industry Engagement for the Under Secretary for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In these capacities, she provides counsel to advance strategic initiatives and priorities that enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, drive investment, and global commercial opportunities. Through industry engagement efforts, Kelly directs corporate outreach to ensure private-sector insights inform policy, and acts as an ombudsman for U.S. companies facing trade and investment barriers or foreign regulatory hurdles.

Prior to ITA, Kelly held senior roles across the public and private sectors, including as President of KAI Strategies, LLC, where she supported clients seeking to sharpen their technological edge, expand international sales, build public‑private partnerships, and grow advanced manufacturing and R&D investments in emerging U.S. industries.

During President Trump’s first term, she served in multiple senior positions at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the White House, helping drive global investment attraction, operations, and strategic communications. 

A Michigan native, she also worked in Michigan and Ohio on state-level economic development, coalition building, and regional growth initiatives. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies.