The Northwest R-I School District is pleased to announce the selection of Dan Kelly as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 1, 2026.
Kelly brings more than two decades of experience in education and leadership, all with the Special School District of St. Louis County. In his most recent role, he has served as Director of Talent Acquisition and Development since 2020, where he collaborated with hiring managers to define staffing needs and establish job requirements while developing recruitment strategies targeting diverse candidate pools.
Prior to that role, Kelly served as a Principal from 2004 to 2020, spearheading curriculum development initiatives and collaborating with faculty to implement effective teaching strategies. Kelly also served as a Special Education Coordinator from 2001 to 2004, providing leadership in program development and student services.
“We are excited to have Dan Kelly join us,” said interim superintendent Dr. Doréan Dow. “With his years of experience in human resources, building leadership, and special education, he will be able to assist our staff in many different ways. He comes highly recommended, and it was clear from his interviews why that was the case.”
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Saint Louis University, a Master of Arts in School Administration from Lindenwood University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Missouri Baptist University.
“I am excited to join the Northwest community, and I look forward to making sure our staff feel supported and valued,” Kelly said. “Through conversations with our educational partners, we will continue to ensure that our students have what they need to be successful.”
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Kelly will oversee all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, retention, and employee relations at Northwest, helping ensure the district continues to attract and support outstanding educators and staff.