Kelly Brunkhorst was raised on a diversified grain and livestock operation that is still within the family south of Wauneta, NE.  Following graduation from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kelly began his career in agriculture by managing a feed mill, becoming a district sales manager and working with an elevator and feed association, before joining the staff of the Nebraska Corn Board. Kelly held the position of Director of Research for ten years prior to his current role as the Executive Director of both the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

Kelly serves on the board of A-FAN and the Lincoln YMCA, and has past served on the 4-H Foundation board and as chairman of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council.

Kelly and his wife Carey, a registered nurse, have two sons, three grandchildren and reside in Lincoln.