Kelley joins the firm with two decades of experience spanning corporate law, executive management, and business strategy. Her most recent position was chief executive officer of Diversity Lab/Talent Multipliers, a role she held since 2025. Before that, she served as executive vice president and director of wealth management at Heartland Financial USA. Her legal pedigree includes stints as general counsel at both PacWest Bancorp and NBT Bancorp.

Based in Milwaukee, Kelley will report directly to Associated President and CEO Andy Harmening. Harmening cited her background in governance and transformation as a primary driver for the hire, noting that her specific expertise aligns with the company’s current performance culture. Erickson, meanwhile, will remain with the organization in an advisory capacity through the end of 2026 to facilitate the handover. His departure concludes a long career at the bank, where he was instrumental in navigating complex M&A transactions and regulatory environments.