John Kelly

John Kelly joined Nebraska Athletics in March 2025 as the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities & Venue Management. In this role, he oversees the operations, logistics, and capital projects for the Bob Devaney Sports Center Complex, including the Outdoor Track, Hibner Stadium, and Dillon Tennis Center. Kelly is responsible for ensuring Nebraska’s venues provide an elite experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans while also driving revenue generation through strategic facility rentals and special events.

Before arriving in Lincoln, Kelly was a key leader at Vanderbilt University, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities & Event Operations. He managed football and track & field game day operations while overseeing FirstBank Stadium and multiple athletic facilities amid Vanderbilt’s $300 million capital improvement plan.

Throughout the season, he played a pivotal role in ensuring all home football games were executed at a high level, despite the complexities of ongoing stadium construction. His ability to adapt, problem-solve, and maintain a first-class experience for teams, fans, and stakeholders was especially evident when Vanderbilt successfully hosted games under significant structural constraints.

Beyond operations, Kelly was instrumental in elevating Vanderbilt’s branding within its facilities, leading initiatives that enhanced the overall student-athlete and fan experience. He also spearheaded facility rental programs, optimizing revenue streams and event execution to maximize the department’s efficiency.

Prior to Vanderbilt, Kelly refined his expertise in facility and event management at the University of South Florida, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Miami. Across these roles, he played a critical role in capital project planning, championship event management, and optimizing game day operations at the highest level.

A Memphis, Tennessee, native, Kelly earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University, where he was a defensive back for the Blue Raiders before transitioning into athletic administration.Kelly is a graduate of the NCAA’s prestigious Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute and an active member of the Collegiate Event & Facility Management Association (CEFMA) and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA).

Above all, he takes pride in being a dedicated father to his daughter, Ellie.