Board of Directors

Kelly Penton Chacon is a skilled public affairs and communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. At Carnival Cruise Line, she leads community engagement and public affairs in Carnival’s 14 U.S. homeport cities, while supporting government relations efforts nationally and across the cruise line’s destinations.

Kelly started her career in city government, where she developed a keen sense for managing communications surrounding complex issues and a passion for public service. Throughout her career, she has worked with dignitaries at all levels of government—global, national, and local —forging partnerships that have benefitted communities and generated positive media and public attention. Kelly also spent 11 years working in public relations agencies, managing comprehensive campaigns that included traditional media, social media, branding, marketing, and advocacy.

Prior to joining Carnival Cruise Line, Kelly served as senior director for the Miami office of a national public affairs firm, managing the team and leading accounts focused on public service, economic development, land use, real estate development, and public-private partnerships. Successful campaigns she worked on include the promotion of Miami’s flourishing Wynwood neighborhood, the passage of a public referendum to increase teacher pay and fund security officers at Miami Dade County Public Schools, the redevelopment of Miami Beach’s North Beach area, and numerous city/county approvals for the construction of major retail and mixed-use projects in the South Florida area.

Kelly also worked as director of communications for the City of Miami and press secretary for City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.

Kelly grew up in Miami, attended Florida State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications, and obtained a Master of Business Administration from Florida International University.