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Kelly Kenneally

Communications Consultant

Kelly Kenneally has been providing communications counsel to the National Institute on Retirement Security since its founding in February 2007. On behalf of NIRS, she has authored several reports, including the organization’s biennial public opinion research.

Kenneally has more than 25 years of experience in the field of communications and public affairs. In recent years, she has consulted with national organizations, states, and municipalities on retirement security issues. She also has worked with government, for profit and non-profit organizations to develop and implement strategic communication programs.

Prior to establishing a consulting practice, Kenneally served in the White House as Associate Director of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. She also has held public affairs and communications positions at Micron Electronics, MCI WorldCom, Edelman Public Relations, and the American Nuclear Energy Council. She began her career as a legislative assistant with the Maryland General Assembly. She holds a B.A. in Government & Politics from the University of Maryland, and has undertaken graduate coursework at The George Washington University in the political management program.

Recent Research

What Do Americans Think About Pensions For Public Employees?
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  • Infographic
  • Pensions
  • What Do Americans Think About Pensions For Public Employees?

    A research infographic from the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) finds strong support among Americans for retirement benefits provided to state and local government employees. “What Do Americans Think About Pensions For Public Employees? finds 86 percent of Americans say all workers, not just those employed by state and local governments, should have a […]

    Oct 29, 2024

    Views of Retirement in America by Political Party Affiliation
    Election Vote Buttons

    Views of Retirement in America by Political Party Affiliation

    Despite deep polarization across the U.S., a research brief from the National Institute on Retirement Security finds common ground when it comes to Americans’ support for Social Security and defined benefit pension plans. At the same time, Views of Retirement in America by Political Party Affiliation finds Americans across party lines are worried about retirement. […]

    Oct 7, 2024

    Americans’ Views of Social Security
    Social Security Reform

    Americans’ Views of Social Security

    Social Security has evolved to become backbone of the U.S. retirement savings system, particularly for middle-class Americans, and often is referred to as one of the nation’s most popular government programs. Nearly all workers participate in Social Security, which means nearly all retirees receive at least some income from Social Security each month. Despite the […]

    Jul 22, 2024

    Americans’ Views of State-Facilitated Retirement Programs
    Afro American businessman at home

    Americans’ Views of State-Facilitated Retirement Programs

    A national survey of working-age Americans finds strong support for new state-facilitated retirement programs that are focused on helping workers without employer-provided plans save for retirement. More than three-fourths of Americans (77 percent) agree that state-facilitated retirement programs are a good idea. And at a time when the nation faces deep political division on a […]

    May 14, 2024