Kelly Johnson is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who joined The Gabriel Group in 2022 to support the team’s specialty in philanthropic planning. She holds the Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registrations and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Kelly applies over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, community relations, volunteerism, corporate citizenship, and board support to strategic wealth management and philanthropic planning.
Kelly earned her bachelor's degree from the University System of Georgia. Her career began at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in fundraising and community outreach, including a term as a fundraising loaned executive to the United Way of Greater Atlanta. She later worked with Ketchum Public Relations to support corporate citizenship and philanthropic efforts before serving as executive director of an international healthcare nonprofit. After a period focused on consulting and community volunteering, she rejoined Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to help grow the legacy giving program and support donor stewardship.
Kelly is involved with various professional and community organizations, including the Atlanta Charitable Advisor Network (ACAN) Steering Committee, Catholic Foundation of North Georgia Professional Advisors Network (PAN) Steering Committee, Children’s Legacy Advisor Leadership Council, and local schools in Dunwoody. She is a member of the 2023-24 class of the Philanthropic Advisors Leadership Institute (PALI) and the Balser Giving Circle for 2025. Kelly's personal interests include biking, hiking, music, running, singing, swimming, watching movies, yoga, and spending time with her family.