 Prior to joining the Trump administration in January 2017, Kelly had been on the board of advisors of DC Capital Partners, an investment firm that now owns Caliburn.Following his departure from the White House in January 2019, Kelly joined the board of directors for Caliburn International.He was seen in April 2019 touring the facilities of Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children, operated by Caliburn subsidiary Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.

Kelly was born on May 11, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Josephine "Honey" (Pedalino) and John F. Kelly.