Leadership, Collaboration and Public Service: A Conversation with Kristin Connelly
Kristin Connelly reflects on nine years of leadership, regional impact, and the honor of receiving the Ellen O. Tauscher Distinguished Service Award
When Kristin Connelly became President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council in 2014, she saw an opportunity to shape its next chapter. Over the next nine years, she built on EBLC's proud legacy, modernizing the organization for a changing East Bay by strengthening its policy advocacy, expanding its regional influence, and deepening partnerships across the business and civic community. This enduring impact has earned her the Ellen O. Tauscher Distinguished Service Award at our 2026 Installation Awards.
"My leadership of EBLC helped me build a deep understanding of and appreciation for the diverse and vibrant employers in this region," Kristin said. "Understanding how policy impacts decisions about starting, growing, and keeping a business in the East Bay helped give me a better window into how important local government can be in building a strong local economy."
Kristin brought to EBLC a career defined by public service, policy leadership, and coalition building. Before her tenure as President & CEO, she served in leadership roles across local government, statewide policy organizations, and the nonprofit sector, including as Chief of Staff to Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff and Executive Director of California Forward Action Fund. Across each role, she built a reputation for bringing together diverse stakeholders to advance policies that strengthened communities — a commitment to service that laid the foundation for her leadership at EBLC.
During her tenure, Kristin guided EBLC through one of the most transformative periods in its history. She successfully navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic while strengthening its financial foundation, growing membership revenue, and investing in the organization's advocacy capacity. Under her leadership, EBLC expanded its role as a regional convener and trusted policy voice, fostering partnerships and strengthening the organization for the future.
Kristin also championed initiatives that continue to define EBLC's impact today. During the height of the pandemic, she launched the Equitable Economic Recovery Task Force, bringing together leaders from across sectors to help chart the region's recovery and advocate for meaningful investments.
She also spearheaded Build the Bench, preparing diverse leaders for public service, and Engage East Bay, connecting community leaders with nonprofit board opportunities to strengthen civic engagement throughout the region. Beyond these initiatives, Kristin helped shape EBLC's culture by recruiting thoughtful and committed board members, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering a collaborative environment that strengthened the organization from the inside out.
For Kristin, leadership has always been rooted in collaboration, trust, and delivering results.
"The most effective elected leaders know that they have to work in coalition and that you need to deliver for the public in order to maintain trust," she said. "Focusing on results and delivering for the public is how to be an effective public servant."
Those principles continue to guide Kristin in her current role as Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar. The lessons she gained at EBLC continue to shape her approach to public service, reinforcing the importance of transparency, collaboration, and effective governance.
Receiving the Ellen O. Tauscher Distinguished Service Award carries special meaning for Kristin not only because of Ellen's remarkable legacy of service, but because of the personal impact she had on Kristin's own leadership journey. During Kristin's tenure at EBLC, Ellen's generosity and encouragement helped shape her experience leading the organization, including through Ellen's participation in one of EBLC's most successful East Bay Leadership Series events. Kristin continues to draw inspiration from Ellen's ability to bring people together and lead with purpose.
"Ellen remains an inspiration to me and to countless others," Kristin said. "I am so honored to be receiving this award and plan to honor her legacy with my public service for the rest of my life."
INSTALLATION AWARDS EVENT INFO
Tuesday, August 18
Cocktail hour | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Dinner & Program | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Pleasant Hill Community Center
320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill