Global law firm partner joins Captains For Clean Water board of directors

Captains For Clean Water is pleased to announce the addition of their ninth board member, Christopher M. Kelly, a senior partner at the global law firm, Jones Day.

Chris Kelly has more than 30 years of experience as a corporate lawyer. He has represented corporations and financial institutions in diverse domestic and international corporate finance matters. He regularly advises SEC reporting companies on corporate governance, board of directors matters, securities laws, stock exchange rules, and related public company regulatory compliance matters.

As a Sanibel homeowner, Chris became aware of South Florida’s water quality crisis during the unprecedented 2018 event. “The big water disaster of 2018 was beyond belief. I was working on the house and couldn’t even breathe outside. I learned what was happening politically and it motivated me to get involved. I’m fortunate to be a part of a wonderful law firm that always has its clients’ backs, is not afraid of taking on big challenges, and always tries to do good in the communities it's part of. I could not sit idly by.”

As an avid fisherman, Chris was originally introduced to Captains For Clean Water through his tarpon fishing guide and was drawn to the organization’s unique culture and community of supporters who love the outdoors. “For me and my family, this is our way of life. We love being on the water. I often golf because I have to… I always fish because I want to.”

Chris’s vision for the organization includes enhancing Captains’ support base by rallying his Southwest Florida network who has a keen interest in preserving the state’s water quality. “We are on the right side of this issue. If you’re not, you have to question why you’re in Florida. There is a way to permanently win this, and I look forward to working with Captains to make that happen.”

Chris serves on boards for organizations that align with his passions and that he believes are making the world a better place. “In terms of what I’m proud of, it’s being part of organizations that I’m passionate about—my college (Canisius College), my church, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Edwins Institute which was on the New York Times list of ‘52 places for a changed world.’ Captains For Clean Water fits right in there.”

Captains For Clean Water Executive Director, Captain Daniel Andrews said, “Chris has been an incredible supporter for years. His wealth of knowledge and global perspective will be extremely valuable in advancing our mission to restore and protect the water we love here in Florida.”