Chris Kelly

Chris Kelly, San Francisco, is an entrepreneur and author whose professional journey has been shaped by online advertising, technology-driven businesses, and writing. He founded his first online advertising business in 2010 and later established NextGen Leads, a technology-forward, customer-centric platform designed to support insurance agents. Alongside his business work, he authored a science fiction novel titled The Menagerie. Over the years, his focus has gradually shifted toward philanthropy, with a clear and consistent emphasis on addressing wealth inequality directly and responsibly.

His next book will focus on wealth inequality and is scheduled for release in February 2026. At the same time, he plans to launch a charitable organization connected to this work. These efforts reflect a long-term commitment to applying experience, resources, and careful thought to issues that affect people at a broader societal level, while remaining grounded in practical action.

Education

Chris Kelly grew up in Santa Cruz, California, before continuing his education in Claremont, California, a suburban city in eastern Los Angeles County. He attended Claremont McKenna College, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, reflecting his academic excellence and dedication to learning.

Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts institution with a curriculum that emphasizes government, economics, public affairs, finance, and international relations. This academic environment encouraged structured thinking, careful analysis, and an understanding of how public and economic systems operate. The education he received helped prepare him for future work in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, while also reinforcing the importance of responsibility and informed decision-making.

Professional Career

Chris began his professional career as an investment banker, gaining early experience in finance, analysis, and structured business environments. This role provided a strong foundation in understanding markets, organizations, and long-term planning. After this experience, he transitioned into the technology sector by joining Google, where he held product and marketing positions.

As a Product Specialist for Google AdSense, he worked between the Product and Operations divisions, helping ensure smooth coordination and effective communication between teams. This role required attention to detail and an ability to translate needs across departments, contributing to a deeper understanding of large-scale digital advertising systems.

He later accepted a position as Product Marketing Manager at Google Workspace (formerly Google Enterprise). In this role, he worked closely with Google Developer Relations to support the adoption of Google technologies across organizations. The position focused on connecting technical capabilities with real-world use, strengthening his experience in enterprise technology and strategic communication.

In 2010, Kelly decided to pursue entrepreneurship and founded White Harp, Inc., an online advertising agency based in San Francisco. The company scaled significantly, allowing him to apply his industry knowledge in an independent setting. This phase marked a transition from corporate work to building and leading his own ventures, offering direct experience in leadership, growth, and operational responsibility.

In 2014, he founded NextGen Leads. Over 12 years as CEO and later Chairman, he guided the company’s growth to become the number-one provider of digital marketing solutions for under-65 health insurance in the United States. The company also became a major player in over-65 health coverage, including Medicare, and expanded into Property & Casualty insurance, including auto and home. During this time, the business developed into one of the largest privately held companies in its sector.

Author of The Menagerie

Chris Kelly authored The Menagerie, a science fiction thriller that explores the creation of the world’s first artificial general intelligence and its consequences. The book received strong reviews from readers and examines what can happen when advanced technology moves beyond precise human control. The story centers on computer programmer Miles Ward, who builds an artificial intelligence named Gustav with the potential to bring either humanity’s ultimate salvation or total annihilation.

As the system comes online, influential organizations pursue control of the technology, drawing the main character into a global conflict. He must navigate ethical questions about artificial intelligence while trying to stay alive as the world moves toward a crisis. The narrative maintains a steady tension as it explores the risks of unchecked innovation.

The book explores themes of innovation, power, and moral responsibility. It combines high-stakes technological breakthroughs with global consequences tied to artificial intelligence, encouraging readers to think critically about the impact of creating systems that can reshape the future.

A True Philanthropist

Chris Kelly, NextGen Leads, is a philanthropist who gives each month generously to GiveDirectly, GiveWell, Shriners, and St. Jude. GiveDirectly is a nonprofit organization that enables donors to send money directly to the world’s poorest households. Since 2009, the organization has delivered over $1 billion in cash directly into the hands of more than 2 million people living in poverty, and he is proud to support its mission.

Shriners is committed to providing high-quality specialty medical care to children and their families, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. St. Jude focuses on treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. These causes are deeply personal to him as a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent treatment for a whole year beginning in 2020.

Chris Kelly, San Francisco, is in the process of launching a nonprofit foundation and plans to donate $1.5 million to charity in the first half of 2026. This commitment reflects a clear intention to use personal resources to support meaningful change and reduce inequality.

Personal Life

He has two boys, ages 7 and 3. Family life plays a vital role in how he structures his time and priorities. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys activities that help him stay balanced and focused. Playing guitar and piano provides a creative outlet and a way to unwind. Golf and disc golf offer time outdoors and a steady sense of discipline. Skiing adds an element of challenge and encourages physical activity in natural settings. Together, these interests reflect an appreciation for creativity, continuous improvement, and maintaining balance in daily life.

Chris Kelly continues to balance entrepreneurship, writing, philanthropy, and family responsibilities while maintaining a steady focus on purpose, responsibility, and long-term impact.

Portfolio