Kellie Burns-Franco

Vice President of Development

Kellie became Vice President of Development in October 2026, after serving as Director of Donor Engagement for nearly five years. In her role as VP, Kellie is responsible for the development and implementation of a robust fund development program to include donor development, communications, donor relations, and supervising her team of committed and community-minded leaders.  Kellie is part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to the philanthropic goals of individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to improve education, health, social services, economic development, and quality of life in the Paso del Norte region. 

As the daughter of a U.S. Army Veteran, Kellie moved frequently but proudly considers El Paso home. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Texas Tech University and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Park University. With more than 15 years of experience in communications, fundraising and the nonprofit sector, Kellie brings deep regional knowledge and a strong commitment to service to PdNCF. During her time at Texas Tech, she joined Alpha Phi Sorority, where she discovered her passion for philanthropy through volunteer work.

Since returning to El Paso, Kellie has served in various public and nonprofit roles, further expanding her understanding of the region’s needs and opportunities. She is a graduate of Leadership El Paso Class 39, a member of the Junior League of El Paso, and a dedicated mental health advocate. She serves on the Emergence Health Network Board and previously spent six years on the NAMI El Paso Board.

Kellie is happily married to Efren Franco and the proud mother of Zoe and Max. Outside of work, she is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her family and their dogs.