Biography: Terri Kelly


February 8, 2011
CEO Lecture
Terri Kelly, President and CEO
W L Gore

Join us on February 8, 2011 to hear Terri Kelly, President and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, a multi-billion dollar enterprise that employs more than 8,500 associates in 45 plants around the world. Gore specializes in fluoropolymer-based materials that are utilized in a wide array of high-value products, including GORE-TEX® fabric, medical devices, filtration and venting products, and many other advanced technology solutions.  Gore is as well known for its unique management philosophy and culture, as for its multitude of unique products.

Kelly joined Gore as a process engineer in 1983 after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Delaware – with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. In her early years with the company, she gained experience as a product specialist with the military fabrics business – a business she eventually led.

In 1998, Kelly became part of the leadership team for the global Fabrics Division. In this role, she helped establish a fabrics manufacturing plant in Shenzhen, China – Gore’s first fabrics plant in Asia.

Kelly’s leadership abilities have driven her success in a company known for its non-hierarchical “lattice” structure. At Gore, associates become leaders based on their ability to gain the respect of their peers and to attract followers.  Terri earned the title of president and CEO in 2005 – one of the few titles within the enterprise – following a peer-driven selection process.

In addition to her role at Gore, Kelly is on the Board of Directors for the Nemours Foundation, on the Board of Trustees for the University of Delaware, and is a member of the Management Executives’ Society and the Forum of Executive Women of Delaware.