Kelsey Foster

Kelsey is standing with arms crossed in front of a colorful row of houses.

Kelsey Foster is a seasoned civic leader with more than fifteen years of experience driving impact at the intersection of public finance, economic policy, and community engagement — with a deep and lasting commitment to our community.

A former journalist turned trusted public servant, Kelsey has worked at the forefront of community advocacy, shaped regional policy, and built strong coalitions to move bold ideas forward. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation where her leadership helped strengthen local economies and connect youth with quality jobs.

Kelsey and her group of of nine diverse young adult fellows are wearing matching t-shirts, posing and smiling against a tan brick wall, some with hands raised, some making gestures, in a joyful, casual setting.

During her time at the Algiers Economic Development Foundation, Kelsey created and led programs that helped young people build essential career skills—from writing resumes and preparing for job interviews to managing personal finances. As Executive Director, she partnered with hundreds of small business owners to tackle persistent challenges like delayed city permits, land use barriers, and limited access to capital. Her work was grounded in a commitment to serving the entire Algiers community, from Algiers Point to the Lower Coast.

While working with the Committee for a Better New Orleans, Kelsey spearheaded the creation of the Big Easy Budget Game — an interactive online tool that let residents engage directly with the city’s budget. Designed to demystify one of local government’s most important (and least understood) processes, the game simplified hundreds of pages of city budget documents into digestible, accessible choices. 

Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College and a Master of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service, along with executive training from the University of Chicago and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Kelsey giving a presentation at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall.

  • University of Holy Cross, President’s Advisory Board, 2023- Present

    University of Holy Cross, School of Business Advisory Board, 2024-Present

    West Bank Business & Industry Association, 2023-Present

    Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority- West, Vice President 

    • Appointment, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, 2020, 2023

    Neighborhood Housing Improvement Fund

    • Appointment, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, 2019

    Old Algiers Main Street 2016- Present

    Committee for a Better New Orleans 2019- Present

    Algiers Point Association 2015- 2019, President: 2017-2019

  • Next City Vanguard Fellow, 2024 

    Delta Leadership Institute, 2022 Cohort

    New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, 2021 Cohort

    New Leaders Council, 2019 Cohort

    Young Leadership Council Leadership Development Series Graduate 2016

    Bryan Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum Graduate: 2016

    Greater New Orleans Foundation Emerging Leader Program: 2015 Cohort

    NationSwell Council 

    Young Leadership Council

    Bureau of Governmental Research Young Professional Member

    Participatory Budgeting Project, Development Committee

  • Gambit 40 Under 40, 2024

    City Business: The Power List, 2024

    Millennial Award Finalist: Changemaker, 2018

    NationSwell Tech Impact Award 2017

    Millennial Award Finalist: Innovation, 2016

    Greater New Orleans Foundation Pitch It! Finalist, 2015

A Platform for a Stronger, More Just, and Livable New Orleans

Kelsey, wearing a navy blazer and hoop earrings, smiling against a gray background.