Ariel Kelley is a Democrat, former Mayor, nonprofit CEO, wife, and mom to two young kids.

Growing up in a rural community, Ariel understands the unique challenges that residents in our communities up and down the North Coast face. She is focused on delivering results and strengthening our region. As Mayor, she worked to reduce homelessness by 60%, increased access to affordable and market-rate housing, led wildfire recovery efforts, and implemented Healdsburg’s first ever Climate Mobilization Strategy.

In her role as Chief Executive Officer of Pillar, an economic recovery nonprofit aimed at boosting small business recovery during the pandemic, Ariel led an effort to distribute millions of dollars to small businesses that allowed them to survive the economic impacts of the pandemic. Prior to Pillar, Ariel was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Corazón, a nonprofit providing family resources and investing in cradle-to-career education programs and services. Under her leadership, Corazón was awarded non-profit of the year in the California State Assembly.

Ariel knows that the way we address the challenges facing our communities today will determine the future of our state for generations to come.

She lives in Healdsburg with her husband, Tim, her kids, Mackenzie and Jake, dog, and four chickens.