Jo-Kell Names John Kelly President, Signaling Next Era of Growth and Leadership
Chesapeake, VA (May 20, 2026) – Jo-Kell Inc. today announced the promotion of John Kelly to President, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued evolution and long-term growth strategy. A proven leader with more than 20 years of experience at Jo-Kell, Kelly has been instrumental in driving the company’s expansion, innovation, and organizational excellence.
Founded in 1977 by Joe Kelly, Jo-Kell has grown from a small, family-run business into a nationally recognized electrical distributor and solutions provider. Following Joe Kelly’s retirement, leadership of the company was carried forward by Marty Kelly as President and Suzy Kelly as CEO, a partnership that helped shape Jo-Kell’s culture, customer-first philosophy, and sustained success. Suzy Kelly continues to serve as CEO today, guiding the organization’s strategic direction.
John Kelly now steps into the role of President following more than 20 years with the company, during which he has played a central role in its evolution. Throughout his career at Jo-Kell, he has held a range of leadership positions including Channel Manager, Business Process Manager, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Chief Corporate Officer. He has led the development of new departments, guided the organization through periods of growth and change, and helped define the company’s long-term strategy.
As President, Kelly will lead the company's sales, marketing, technology, and innovation efforts while working closely with executive leadership to accelerate growth, strengthen customer relationships, and expand Jo-Kell’s presence across key markets. His leadership represents a continuation of the company’s core values, combined with a forward-looking vision for the future.
“John has grown up in this business and has dedicated his career to helping it succeed,” said Suzy Kelly, CEO of Jo-Kell. “As a third-generation leader of our family-owned company, he understands what makes Jo-Kell special, and he brings the leadership, vision, and drive to carry that forward. This moment is incredibly meaningful for our family and for our company.”
“I’m honored to step into this role at such an exciting time for Jo-Kell,” said John Kelly. “This company has always been about people, relationships, and doing things the right way. I’m looking forward to building on that legacy while continuing to push forward, grow, and create new opportunities for our team and our customers.”