A versatile public-relations practitioner, Shelly Kessen ’96 personifies the FleishmanHillard farm-to-fork approach in her role as senior vice president and partner. A former “farm kid,” she has nearly three decades of experience communicating to agricultural producers, consumers and the many influencers in between.

With a mantra of: “If you can produce it, we can promote it,” Kessen has overseen and implemented a wide range of strategic public-relations initiatives for clients throughout the supply chain ranging from agricultural input companies to leading consumer packaged goods brands.

Kessen is an active member of Les Dames d'Escoffier – a philanthropic organization of women in food, agriculture and hospitality. She earned a degree in agricultural journalism at K-State in 1996, where she is currently a member of the K-State Agricultural Communications and Education Advisory Board. Additionally, Kessen is a recipient of the FleishmanHillard John D. Graham Award for Excellence – the firm’s highest internal recognition.

Kessen lives in Rancho Murieta, California, with her husband, Tim ’95, ’97, and sons, Will and Charlie. Her oldest son is currently in his first year at K-State pursuing a degree in history.