As Kentuckians, we pride ourselves on tradition: derby parties, bourbon and a business community that lives by its word. When someone steps up to do more than their share, you take notice. Kelley Bright, who runs Mercer’s Kentucky & Tennessee Practice and keeps Unbridled’s celebrity, hospitality, and security operation humming, is one of those people.
A Career built on People and Results
Kelley isn’t just a local executive; she is the person Mercer trusts to steer their Kentucky and Tennessee operations. In 2019 she was appointed the Kentucky office leader for K Mercer, a global HR consulting firm, after a 17-year career at EY. She works closely with a team of five hundred professionals locally to develop consulting talent, manage key client relationships and drive the firm’s presence across Kentuckiana. With nearly 30 years of experience in professional consulting and a stint leading business development at EY, she understands both the numbers and the people.
Kelley’s approach to leadership is simple: profit and compassion can coexist. In a Business First interview she talked about wanting Mercer to be “known for making a difference in people’s lives”. She believes you can run a profitable business and still build a culture that attracts and retains people. She applies that philosophy to the work of empowering women: as executive sponsor for Mercer’s Empowering Women Together group, she pushes for concrete resources, not just slogans.
From Consulting to the Gala
Kelley has co-chaired the charity committee and has been woven into the fabric of Unbridled from the days of the Mint Jubilee and Julep Ball. From meeting VIPs and celebrities at the airport to arranging their transportation, handing them their Derby tickets, and troubleshooting when they can’t figure out how to download their electronic passes! She arranges their complete itineraries, answers odd questions, and always finds a way to make each guest feel welcome. Behind the scenes she sources items for the silent auction and makes sure every detail reflects the generous Unbridled spirit.
She joined the charity committee at the start and worked alongside Tonya York and Tammy York Day as the celebration grew into the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. For Kelley, the Derby is not just a party. It is a chance to share Louisville’s story while raising money for causes that matter to our community. During Derby week you can find her camped out at Tonya’s house to keep an eye on last minute details. The Derby, she says, celebrates Louisville and builds connections that last beyond race day.
Some Behind the Scenes Stories…
Kelley doesn’t shy away from sharing the messy side of volunteerism. She recounted the time actor Quinton Aaron, the actor who played football player Michael Oher in The Blind Side, accepted an invitation to visit the paddock at Churchill Downs. A horse owner whisked him away, and he forgot to tell anyone. “Derby’s over and there’s still no Quinton!” Nobody knows where he is and apparently, he’s not a small guy to lose! Panic spread among the event staff. Hours later he casually returned to the hotel; his phone had died, so he just hitched a ride back with the trainer. It’s a core memory for Kelley since she quotes “he’s the one guy you never should lose because he’s bigger than everybody else!”
There are lighter moments, too. Celebrity riders specify candies, drinks, and even towel colors for their green rooms. She is certainly busy making sure the real work gets done! Definitely a reminder that improvisation is part of the backstage routine.
Why Unbridled Matters
Kelley insists that Unbridled Eve Derby Gala isn’t just a party. The gala raises money for charities like Blessings in a Backpack and Norton Children’s Hospital, but it also shows Louisville at its most generous. When you see celebrities dancing next to local volunteers and kids affected by the programs, the abstract idea of charity becomes human. That is why she pushes readers of Unbridled Times to look past the red carpet. “We’re not there to network; we’re there to make a difference,” she says.
Life beyond the Derby
Outside of work and charity, Kelley still finds time to live. She sits on the board of Kentucky Red Cross and Women Influencing Louisville. She’s very proud of her two audlt children, loves her two dogs, and will celebrate 30 years of marriage with her husband, Greg, next July. She just welcomed her granddaughter, Koko, in July and will spend early November in Hawaii for her son’s wedding celebration.
Our gala simply would not be the same without Kelley. She is a dedicated professional, a devoted wife and mother. We are thankful for the hours she has given; the calm she brings to chaos and the humor she shares with our team.
Awards and Recognition:
Kelley was one of Business First Forty Under Forty and recognized for founding the Women Influencing Louisville’s Fall conference, which just celebrated its 12th year. She’s been honored at Mercer through their Sage Awards program which recognizes the top performers in the firm.
You can also check out Kelley at one of her many speaking engagements. Versed on many HR topics, Kelley is a frequent speaker for the Society for Humana Resources (SHRM) and the KY Chamber of Commerce.