Kelly Schmitt

Kelly Schmitt is a prominent business leader currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Benevity, a Calgary-based company specializing in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement software. She was appointed CEO on February 1, 2021, after previously holding the positions of President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Benevity. Under her leadership, the company has facilitated over $15 billion in donations to various nonprofits and achieved a valuation of $1 billion, marking its status as a unicorn in the tech industry.124

Professional Background

• Education and Certifications: Schmitt is a Chartered Accountant and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. She also completed the Institute of Corporate Directors program in 2018.5
• Career Path: Before joining Benevity in 2018 as CFO, she held senior financial roles at Solium Capital Inc. and SMART Technologies. Her extensive experience spans nearly two decades in finance operations, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions.35

Leadership at Benevity

As CEO, Schmitt has focused on promoting a culture of inclusivity and social impact within the organization. She emphasizes the importance of aligning corporate purpose with action, reflecting her commitment to driving meaningful change through Benevity's platform.46 During her tenure, she has successfully navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic while fostering an environment that encourages employee engagement and community involvement.12

Recent Developments

In August 2024, it was announced that Schmitt would step down from her role as CEO after a six-year tenure, with Christopher Maloof succeeding her on September 3, 2024.2