Smithfield, RI – Bryant University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Kelly, MBA, as director of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business. With more than 35 years of leadership in both corporate and startup environments, Kelly brings a wealth of industry expertise and a forward-thinking vision to the role.
"Jason’s decades of experience in global trade, shipping, and business innovation uniquely positions him to lead the Chafee Center into its next chapter of success,” said Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “His proven experience in fostering collaboration between academia, business, and government will be invaluable as the center continues to expand opportunities for students and corporate partners throughout the region."
Kelly has led economic development efforts regionally and internationally, and previously served as executive vice president of Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc., the largest independently owned shipping agent in the United States. An entrepreneur and an advocate for ocean health and sustainable supply chains, Kelly co-founded Attender, Inc., a green maritime digital marketplace, and served as co-founder and executive in residence for SeaAhead, a bluetech venture capital platform.
“I’m honored to join Bryant University and lead the Chafee Center for International Business,” said Kelly. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in trade and logistics to foster a collaborative and innovative environment that equips local businesses with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an evolving global marketplace.”
A prominent thought leader in the global trade community, Kelly has held roles with the Association of Ship Brokers and Agents, the Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO, and FONASBA and served for nine years as a board member of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jason, whose extensive experience in economic development and international trade make him the ideal candidate to lead the Chafee Center and help grow Rhode Island’s economy through his global perspective,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner.
Under Kelly’s leadership, the Chafee Center’s flagship event, World Trade Day, has been repositioned as the Global Trade Summit, a platform for growth, learning, and building connections, supporting the missions of both Bryant University and the state of Rhode Island. Kelly has twice served as chair of the annual event, which celebrates its thirty-ninth year September 24 and 25, 2025.
READ MORE: 2025 Global Trade Summit
"Jason's appointment marks a significant step forward in fostering innovative trade initiatives across industry," said Betty Robson, chair of the Global Trade Summit and CEO of JF Moran. "His extensive experience and visionary leadership will enhance our global trade dialogue and empower Rhode Island leaders to expand internationally."
In addition to his deep industry ties, Kelly has actively engaged with Bryant University students and faculty through International Business practicums, in which seniors solve real-world problems for global businesses. Kelly said he plans to engage with the Bryant community and offer students an active seat at the table, providing transformational learning experiences that hone their passions and prepare them to lead on a global stage.
“I’m excited to support our young leaders on campus by marrying economic development with academia,” he said. “We’re poised to do great things.”
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering a transformational education that anticipates the future and delivers top outcomes that result in passionate, purpose-driven leaders. The university delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron’s.
About the John H. Chafee Center for International Business
The John H. Chafee Center for International Business is Rhode Island’s designated agency for world trade and export activities. For over 40 years, the center has been committed to growing Rhode Island’s local economy through a global reach.
Through partnerships with RI Commerce, the Small Business Administration, local government, and trade organizations the Chafee Center encourages global business expansion, retention, and attraction. It administrates the SBA’s State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP grant), providing access to funding for small businesses to grow their global reach.
The Chafee Center’s other programs include international trade missions and shows, strategic consulting, market research, and broad-based events. The center works closely with the faculty, staff, and students to provide customized business consulting services to Rhode Island-based enterprises.
