SEA GIRT, NJ, April 24, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Melissa J. Kelly, MS, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Kelly has established a distinguished career in human resources, marked by resilience, adaptability and a commitment to fostering authentic connections within the workplace. Over the past 25 years, she has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge the gap between employees and leadership, consistently prioritizing the well-being of those she serves.

Since 2023, Ms. Kelly has served as a senior human resources business partner at Throtle, where she has played an instrumental role in shaping the company's culture and infrastructure. Joining Throtle during its startup phase, she was initially brought on at the recommendation of investors who recognized the need for a dedicated human resources professional. Through her efforts in managing employee relations, compliance and company culture, she built the entire human resources department from the ground up. Her responsibilities have included facilitating smooth transitions and employee retention following a merger and acquisition; developing comprehensive company policies and procedures; overseeing all hiring processes; collaborating with labor attorneys; managing H-1 B immigration requirements for employees; and administering medical and company benefits. Ms. Kelly's passion for people has been central to her approach, enabling her to resolve employee issues with empathy and effectiveness.

Her impact at Throtle was quickly recognized by leadership. The company president advocated for her inclusion on the executive team after witnessing firsthand how her work transformed the organization. This advancement made Ms. Kelly one of only three women in senior leadership at Throtle—a significant achievement in a male-dominated environment. Her elevation to this role was further validated during the pandemic when her strategic contributions were rewarded with a raise and stock options. She is also an active member of several industry organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management, Association of Workplace Investigators Inc., and Garden State Council-SHRM.

From 2019 to 2022, Ms. Kelly served as human resources director at Rumson Country Club in Rumson, New Jersey. In this capacity, she managed all aspects of human resources operations for a diverse staff, ensuring compliance with employment regulations while cultivating a positive workplace environment.

Before that, she served as director of human resources at Coburn Communication Inc. in New York City from 2018 to 2019. There, she oversaw recruitment, onboarding and employee relations for a dynamic communications firm.

Ms. Kelly's tenure as director of human resources at the Law Office of Brian Kelly P.C. in New York City from 2010 to 2017 was a pivotal period in her career. She managed nearly every aspect of the practice outside of court appearances—including client immigration matters—gaining invaluable experience in legal compliance and business management.

Earlier roles include serving as a senior marketing manager at Informa Healthcare from 2003 to 2007, and as a human resources generalist and office manager at It Figures Swimwear in New York City from 2001 to 2003. These positions provided foundational skills in both marketing and human resources that would inform her later successes.

Ms. Kelly's educational background reflects her dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth. She earned a Master of Science in human resources management from the University of Scranton in 2023 and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island, graduating in 2000. Her academic journey began with aspirations of becoming a photojournalist. This path instilled strong interviewing skills and an ability to ask insightful questions, which later became assets in conducting workplace investigations.

She holds several professional certifications: SHRM-certified professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM-senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP), awarded in 2024, and a court reporting certification from the New York School of Court Reporting. Ms. Kelly continues to expand her expertise by pursuing additional credentials; she is scheduled to complete a comprehensive course through the Association for Workplace Investigators Inc., further deepening her knowledge in workplace investigations.

Throughout her career, Ms. Kelly has attributed her success to hard work, perseverance and faith. She believes that surrounding herself with good people and trusting her instincts have been essential components of her journey. Her friends often remark that her superpower is delivering results—a testament to her reputation as someone who gets things done regardless of obstacles.

Ms. Kelly's commitment extends beyond her professional life into civic engagement and volunteerism. She organizes an annual food drive through her office to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need in Red Bank. She participates in winter coat drives by collecting warm clothing for residents during colder months. As a Toys for Tots supporter, she helps ensure that children receive gifts during the holiday season. Volunteering is deeply personal for Ms. Kelly; she dedicates time to assisting individuals in recovery—a cause close to her heart due to family experience—and actively participates in volunteer days at her church alongside her children, teaching them the importance of giving back to their community.

Born in Red Bank, Ms. Kelly is devoted to raising her two sons and daughter while balancing a demanding career. As one of four sisters growing up without brothers, navigating life as the mother of boys has offered new perspectives on family dynamics. Her children have witnessed firsthand her journey through adversity—watching as she rebuilt both her career and her home life after a significant personal loss—and have expressed pride in seeing their mother work full-time while earning an advanced degree.

Outside of work, Ms. Kelly is an accomplished competitive horseback rider who participates in various equestrian associations, which also serve as valuable networking opportunities in her field. She enjoys skiing, golf, gym workouts and spending time with family and friends—including college friends with whom she maintains relationships spanning three decades—and looks forward to rekindling her passion for photography.

Looking ahead, Ms. Kelly aspires to become a motivational coach or speaker within the human resources field—potentially presenting at Society for Human Resource Management conferences—and is exploring ways to carve out a unique niche or fresh approach for future presentations. She is particularly interested in advancing her expertise in workplace investigations through continued education.

Ms. Kelly's legacy is defined by resilience, empathy and an unwavering commitment to personal growth—qualities that have shaped not only her own trajectory but also inspired those around her to persevere through challenges with strength and optimism.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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