Kelley Cornish
President & CEO
Kelley is the President and CEO of the TD Jakes Foundation (TDJF), a workforce development and community building foundation committed to improving the lifelong outcomes for communities and individuals who have limited access to resources and opportunities. TDJF has three strategic pillars: financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being.
Prior to this role, she served as an Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer at Wells Fargo & Company where she was the primary liaison between diverse segments and various business lines and support partners. Her work included leading planning, implementing strategy and driving accountabilities for all internal functions supporting efforts across the enterprise. Kelley also served as the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion for the TD Bank Group and led Diversity and Inclusion for AmeriHealth Caritas and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Accomplished in her career, in March 2025, Kelley was officially sworn in as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Wiley University, marking a historic milestone as the first woman in the 152-year history of the university to serve in this role. Other recent awards include in 2023, Kelley was recognized as a Women of Influence by SUCCESS Magazine for her remarkable achievements, innovation, and impact in the communities and industries in which she serves as well as in the personal and professional lives of others. In 2022, she received the Woman of the Year Award from iHeartMedia radio recognizing her work in the community and in corporate America. Her leadership gifts and talents have also been recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine, by the Network Journal as one of the Top 25 Influential Black Women in Business, and she was a recipient of the Sojourner Truth Award by the National Congress of Black Women. Kelley was acknowledged for her commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout her career by receiving the Career Mastered Award and has been recognized as a member of the top team of distinction for the American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking Award, and as a Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Award winner by Peirce College for the City of Philadelphia.
With nearly 4 decades in the workplace, Kelley shares the importance of resetting, self-care and unplugging as a leader in her podcast, Life + Leadership UNPLUGGED with Kelley Cornish heard on all podcast platforms. In addition, true to sharing her life’s experiences, Kelley speaks around the country about her career climb, her leadership journey, and creating legacy. Kelley also serves on the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and as a People and Leadership committee member for the BAYADA Healthcare Board of Directors.
Kelley obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina – Aiken in Business Administration and her Masters from Webster University in Human Resource Management. She is currently enrolled in the University of California Berkley’s CEO Program, is a Certified Diversity Professional by Cornell University (CCDP) and has completed course work at the Harvard Kennedy School in strategies for leading and building diverse organizations.
Kelley enjoys spending time with two adult sons Avery and Trey whenever possible, her extended family and friends, and exploring new ways to live her best life!
To request Kelley Cornish as a speaker for your event, please use the Speaker Request link below. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and bring her expertise to your audience.