Kelsey Rode is a connector and organizer whose love language is community. Kelsey grew up in western Massachusetts and developed a passion for statewide advocacy and public policy out of a desire to draw more resources and recognition for people in the westernmost region of the state. 

Kelsey formerly worked for State Representative Mary S. Keefe (D-Worcester) as her legislative director and House staff administrator for the bicameral Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. Prior to her time in the House of Representatives, she interned for former State Senator Adam G. Hinds, supervised prison literacy programs, completed a year of service in Philadelphia, and worked as a zip line canopy tour guide. She’s a former volunteer event coordinator for SheJumps, a nonprofit organization that creates programs to encourage women and girls to participate in outdoor activities. She currently serves as a board member for the Philadelphia-based Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor, as well as on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Legislative Committee.  

Kelsey holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Greenfield Community College, Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University. She’s an avid runner, hiker, and 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She enjoys the rest of her time in community with her loved ones and cherished novels.