Originally from Georgia, Kelli developed a deep love for Jackson Hole during family vacations and worked seasonally in the valley during college. After graduating from Valdosta State University with a B.S. in Speech and Language Pathology, Kelli changed personal and professional paths and permanently relocated to Jackson Hole. Beginning her real estate career in 2001, Kelli initially served as an assistant to one of the valley’s top producers, then was named Operations Manager of Real Estate of Jackson Hole where she learned all aspects of operating a busy brokerage. In 2003 Kelli was recruited by Rob DesLauriers to be a founding member of Teton Village Realty, which was formed initially to sell Rob’s hotel developments, Teton Mountain Lodge and Hotel Terra, and later branched out into the residential and commercial markets. The boutique firm quickly became the fastest-growing brokerage in Teton County, achieving the third-largest market share each year until Sotheby’s International Realty purchased the brokerage in May 2009.
After joining Sotheby’s, Kelli’s partnership with husband Jeff Ward, Rob DesLauriers, and Jake Kilgrow as Realty Group of Jackson Hole resulted in over $700 million in transactions, and their team was consistently Top Producers in the firm each year. In August 2019, Jeff and Kelli moved to Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates/Christie’s International Real Estate to begin a new phase of their real estate career. Compass Real Estate acquired the firm in 2021 and Kelli and Jeff continued to be Top Producers in the company and were #3 in transaction volume for 2021 with $87+ million in sales. In 2022, Jeff and Kelli moved firms to open the brand-new Keller Williams Jackson Hole market center, where they serve as partners in the firm now comprised of more than 80 agents in 5 offices representing Jackson Hole, WY, Star Valley, WY and Teton Valley, ID. Their comprehensive mix of business experience, including Jeff’s extensive hotel management background, innovative marketing, contract management, and combined 44 years of real estate sales track record provide clients with a wealth of market intelligence.
An avid equestrian, Kelli grew up with an active schedule of national and international horse shows and competed in hunter/jumper events for over 20 years. In her free time, Kelli enjoys spending time with her husband and real estate business partner, Jeff, their two teenage children, rescue dogs, and horses. She continues to enjoy her love of riding with her two horses in Grand Teton National Park in the warmer months and cross country skiing with her dogs in the winter. An active member of the Jackson Hole community, Kelli has volunteered for Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association, Animal Adoption Center, Teton Literacy Center, and is the past Secretary of the Teton Board of Realtors®. She is also an active volunteer on Jackson Hole Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit.
