When wind tore the roof off Kyle Shelly’s home in Louisiana, it also blew his career in a new direction.
In 2021, Kyle Shelly was working in the New Orleans Mayor’s Office and serving in the Air National Guard. Normally, Kyle’s National Guard duties required him to be on-the-ground during major storms. Then Hurricane Ida hit, and his family was forced to quarantine for safety. Like thousands of other Louisianans, Kyle, his wife and daughter evacuated to Texas.
From his phone, Kyle viewed his home security camera and was shocked by what he saw in the harsh light of the aftermath: their roof was gone.
“In that moment, I decided we weren’t going back,” Kyle said. “I had some family in the area, and I began looking for a new job that would allow us to stay in Texas.”
Kyle landed at GM Financial in Fort Worth, where he led public policy efforts and analyzed federal and state policy issues. But it’s also where he developed a passion for financial literacy.
He became an advocate for KEYS, a GM Financial literacy program that empowers the youth to make smarter personal finance decisions. He also had the honor of working with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation on an internship program to cover budgeting, debt management and financial strategies.
“One day, these interns will be in our shoes, leading the generations that succeed them,” he said. “It’s important we listen now and meet them where they are.”
After an impactful time at GM Financial, Kyle joined GM’s team in Washington, DC in April 2024 as Director of Federal Affairs. He contributes to policy development and advocacy before the U.S. Congress and federal government agencies. Keeping service close to his heart through the Air National Guard and continued financial literacy efforts is his passion.
“I grew up immersed in a culture of tradition, pride and commitment to community service,” Kyle said. “I'm thrilled to contribute to General Motors' success and advocate for policies that support the future of transportation.”
