J. Alex Kelly

J. Alex Kelly, most recently Florida’s secretary of commerce, became the seventh president of Pensacola State College in Florida on Oct. 19. The college’s Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Kelly on Sept. 21 following a national search. He brings experience in state government, education, economic development, and workforce policy.

Before joining Pensacola State, Kelly served as Florida’s secretary of commerce, overseeing the state agency responsible for economic development, workforce programs, and community development. He previously served as deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office, vice president of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, and chief of staff to then-Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. He also held several positions in the Florida Legislature and state agencies, including the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from York College of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Florida.