Kelly East is the Vice President for Educational Outreach at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Kelly leads HudsonAlpha’s mission to foster a genomically-literate society and to inspire and train tomorrow’s bioscience workforce. More than 1.5 million students, educators, professionals, and community members are impacted by HudsonAlpha’s educational programs and resources each year.

Prior to her current role, she was HudsonAlpha’s Director of Clinical Education and Director of the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine. Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Auburn University and a Master of Science in genetic counseling from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She was a part of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s L-37 class and was named an Auburn Alumni Association 20 under 40 awardee in 2024.

What do you love most about living and working in Huntsville?

Huntsville is home; I was born and raised here. I love how this city can simultaneously feel familiar and new at the same time.

What’s your best advice for starting a career in the Rocket City?

Get involved in the community. Join professional and philanthropic organizations. Growing your network will help open doors, and you will meet incredible people.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

My time outside work is often spent shuttling my kids to soccer fields and dance classes and checking homework. What I love to do most, though, is travel and planning future travel.

How do you like to give back to the community, and why is it important to you?

Several times each year, my team at HudsonAlpha steps away from work and serves the community together in partnership with local organizations. These days open our eyes and hearts to local needs and the groups working tirelessly to meet those needs.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career, and what valuable lesson did they teach you?

That would definitely be Neil Lamb, HudsonAlpha’s President. Neil has been my boss since I joined HudsonAlpha in 2008. In addition to growing and shaping my scientific and educational skills, he has shown me what it looks like to be a service and person-focused leader.

Where is your favorite place to relax in Huntsville?

Back Forty is our go-to place to eat, drink, and spend time with friends. The best afternoon would be spent there, followed by watching Huntsville City Football Club play a home game just down the road.

What is your favorite workday jam?

My playlist alternates between Broadway musicals and hits from the early 2000s.

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