Jesse Kellner brings a unique breadth and depth of experience to his role as Chief Operating Officer. While serving both our illustrious team of cloud ninjas and valued client portfolio, he leverages over 25 years of professional experience in leadership, program management, and business development.
Jesse received his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Washington Bible College before serving in vocational ministry at both established and emerging communities of faith. He later transitioned into the sales and business development space, spending over a decade as a commercial real estate broker in the Annapolis, MD market. As he began to explore the next chapter of his career, Jesse turned to the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree in 2016. Jesse’s next career move combined his passion for networking with his unbridled enthusiasm to promote Smith students, becoming Smith’s Assistant Director, Employer and Business Development. It was in this role, serving as a natural evangelist for Smith students, that Jesse first crossed paths with his soon-to-be colleagues at Cloudforce—they were actively recruiting some of Smith’s top talent! Today, Jesse remains proudly connected with the Maryland Smith community as a part-time Lecturer in the Management & Organization Department.
As Cloudforce Chief Operating Officer, Jesse spends his time fueling the business’s insatiable growth while deploying tech ninjas to delight customers and harness the Microsoft cloud. Jesse believes that happy technologists deliver optimal technical solutions leading to delighted customers, a formula to which he remains committed as Cloudforce grows and scales.
Outside of work, Jesse, his beloved wife, and two children have transformed their little log cabin into a forever home on nearly 50 acres just south of Annapolis. Whether hosting family or friends, clients or teammates, their goal is to create a joyous family homestead and hospitality hub. Jesse is an avid sports enthusiast, both participating in local leagues and stubbornly supporting his Washington Commanders, Orioles, Capitals, Wizards, and D.C. United.
Other fun facts about Jesse:
What do you do when you’re not at Cloudforce?
I still run hard! Between coaching both of our kiddos’ soccer teams, teaching at Maryland Smith, and maintaining our property, I stay plenty busy. I love forestry work, cutting down trees, bucking logs, and splitting firewood. It’s good for the soul. Further, my son recently discovered shark teeth within the little stream in our woods, even uncovering some impressive Megalodon specimens (an extinct species of prehistoric shark, the largest sharks ever). Our family and friends spend a lot (!) of time outside at our place. We love to light the bonfire or jump in the pool, partake in some great food and drink, let the kids run amuck, and just be together.
If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your phone, which 3 would you keep?
Microsoft Teams (of course!), Photos, and Waze.
What is your favorite thing to eat?
Pepperoni Pizza (with a shoutout to Di Meo’s Pizzeria, Crofton, MD). Is this even a question?
Have you ever completed anything on your bucket list?
Baltimore Marathon, 2009. And, yes, I beat Oprah.
What are you reading at this moment?
Gospel of Luke and “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI”
Will you ever go to Disney World again?
No.
