Kelly Coldiron

Kelly Coldiron serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia. In this role, Kelly is responsible for developing programs, policies, and strategies designed to strengthen the United States’ commercial position in Asia. She oversees over 200 employees across 17 markets in Asia and in Washington, D.C. who promote U.S. exports; advance and protect U.S. commercial interests overseas; and attract inward investment into the United States. She continues to serve as Acting Executive Director of SelectUSA, a program that drives business investment and job creation across the United States.

Previously, Kelly served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Industry Engagement in the Office of the Under Secretary at the International Trade Administration. In these capacities, she provided counsel to advance strategic initiatives and priorities that enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, drive investment, and global commercial opportunities.

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.