Meet the Panelists
Michael B. Kennedy Jr.
KAI, CEO
As CEO, Michael embraces change in this ever-evolving industry. His innovative and entrepreneurial spirit has helped make KAI a technology front-runner through the early adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other cutting-edge technologies. A second-generation leader, Michael worked closely with his father, Michael Sr., KAI’s Founder, to position KAI for future success. He spends much of his time leading KAI’s strategic vision business alignment, expanding into new markets, developing new clients, and promoting diversity within the industry workforce.
As a Minority Business Enterprise, KAI started and has continued under Michael to serve the urban core of cities to transform depressed neighborhoods into thriving communities. Through working with Community Development Councils, higher education and K-12 schools, commercial office clients, health centers, retail outlets, HUD and public housing authorities nationally.
Michael has expanded KAI’s outreach nationwide with the opening of branch offices in San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA and Omaha, NE and has grown a diverse staff from 60 to well over 100. He has also grown the firm’s revenue from $8 million in his first year as president, to more than $35 million.
Shannon McDonald
Accounting Analyst, Taylor Brothers Construction
Shannon received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Accounting from Indiana University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Management from Indiana University. He is currently an Accounting Analyst at Taylor Bros. Construction and has six years’ experience in the construction industry.
Kelly Marshall
Human Resources, Google
Kelly Marshall is an HR professional with over 12 years of experience within CPG (General Mills), financial services (Capital Group) and most recently, tech (Google). Across these roles, she has used a consultative approach to help shape HR and culture, focusing on business needs and organizational goals. Leveraging her strong relationship orientation and broad perspective, Kelly builds trust quickly and is able to influence at the most senior levels. Bringing teams together to collaborate on critical people and talent needs has helped Kelly turn cultures around and ensure organizations are set to achieve their goals.
