Employee Spotlight: Kelli Smith | Director, ACA Compliance & Training
Kelli Smith has spent over a decade helping organizations navigate ACA compliance and employee benefits. As Director of ACA Compliance and Training, she is passionate about simplifying complex requirements and supporting customers with confidence. In this spotlight, Kelli shares her career journey, her proudest accomplishments, and a few fun facts about her life outside of work.
Talk to us about your professional background before Selerix. What kind of career did you lead?
Before joining Selerix, I worked in benefits and retirement services. My experience included 401(k) administration, implementation, and onboarding, as well as time with a benefits administration company.
What is your current role, and how long have you been with the organization?
I’m the Director of ACA Compliance and Training, and I’ve been with the company for 11 years. This role has been a natural fit because it aligns perfectly with my passion for compliance and simplifying complex requirements.
When and how did you get involved with Selerix?
I learned about Selerix through Patricia Cooper in the Columbia office. We had worked together previously, and when I was ready for a new challenge, she connected me with the opportunity here.
What is a work accomplishment you are especially proud of?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is helping create the ACA Services department. I had the opportunity to help lead the initiative, and with the support of an amazing team, we built a fully functioning department that continues to grow and deliver value. Being trusted to help shape the vision has been a defining achievement in my career.
What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Trust your gut. Listening to your instincts, along with your experience and values, helps you make confident choices.
What is something most coworkers would be surprised to learn about you?
I recently found out that I have a brother.
Anything else you might wish to mention?
I’ve been fortunate to work with great people at Selerix and to grow through many different opportunities. I feel very blessed by the experiences I’ve had here.
Just for Fun
Outside of work, what kind of hobbies do you have?
I love spending time with my five grandchildren, and I really enjoy cooking.
What posters were on your childhood bedroom wall?
Duran Duran. That was my jam.
What’s something you love that everyone else dislikes?
ACA. I love it.
Have you met anyone famous?
I went to a Fine Arts High School, and in 1987 they filmed the movie Can’t Buy Me Love there with Patrick Dempsey. He attended some of the same classes, and he’s even in our yearbook.
What advice would you give yourself at age 15?
You’re stronger and smarter than you can imagine.
What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
Viola Davis. She represents determination, grit, humor, intelligence, and an unstoppable spirit.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?
I would travel to the past so I could see my great-grandmother one more time.
What song do you always turn up when it comes on?
Anything from Fame or Flashdance.
What is one item on your bucket list?
Go to Rome.
What is something small that instantly makes your day better?
Kindness.
