Kelly Kenneally has provided 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.
Retirement Insecurity 2026: Americans’ Views of Retirement
New national research from the National Institute on Retirement Security finds that 80 percent of Americans say the nation faces a retirement crisis as rising costs and debt make it increasingly difficult to save. The report, Retirement Insecurity 2026: Americans’ Views of Retirement, also finds widespread concern about financial security in retirement, strong support for pensions, and growing caution about the role of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency in retirement planning.
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
