Gemhyl Kelley

Program Engagement Manager
aka Urban Sommelier

Gemhyl supports the advancement of our local Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, which give students the practical skills and hands-on experience they need to succeed in the hospitality & tourism (HTM) industry. He helps develop and coordinate community and educational initiatives that drive meaningful youth engagement and further our objective to create a pipeline of talent for the region’s HTM employers.

Gemhyl comes to EXGR with a wealth of experience interacting with young people and mentoring job seekers. He served as Workforce Development and Student Engagement Partner at Trinity Health, one of the largest employers in Grand Rapids, and as Advancement Manager at AYA Youth Collective, which serves 14- to 24-year-olds facing homelessness or instability. He also spent time as a Career Coach at West Michigan Works!, a local workforce development agency.

“My favorite part of this job is getting a first-hand look at the other side of tourism and hospitality and how it truly shapes our city and state,” says Gemhyl.