Kelly Scherer is a Senior Consultant and Executive Coach for Highland Performance Solutions, with over 10 years of experience working with C-suite executives across various industries. She specializes in executive leadership assessment, development, and coaching for Fortune 500 clients across sectors and geographies. Kelly has assessed hundreds of leaders for selection, development, and succession planning, tailoring each process to meet her clients’ present and future needs and generating meaningful insights. 

A significant portion of Kelly’s current work involves partnering with private equity firms to assess and develop leaders within their portfolio companies. She ensures that assessments and developmental actions align with both the firm’s strategic goals and the companies’ unique needs. Kelly’s deep understanding of organizational contexts allows her to help leaders navigate the complexities of selection, development, and succession planning effectively. 

In her coaching practice, Kelly focuses on building on her clients’ strengths while addressing potential risks. She works with leaders to gain fresh perspectives, develop actionable plans, and implement new habits that drive progress. Kelly helps her clients craft their leadership stories, facilitating their growth through long-term personal and professional development. 

Kelly holds a B.A. in both psychology and English from Villanova University and a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Purdue University. She is certified in several workplace assessment tools, including Hogan Assessments, MRG, and Pinsight. Her expertise in leadership development and assessment is further supported by her research, which has been published in journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology and Personality and Individual Differences. 

Kelly lives in Illinois with her husband, son, and dog. She enjoys spending free time outside with family and friends. 

EDUCATION 

• Ph.D in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Purdue University  
• Bachelor of Arts, Villanova University  

CERTIFICATIONS  

• Hogan Personality Assessment, Advanced Interpretation 
• MRG’s Leadership Effectiveness Analysis & Individual Directions Inventory 
• Pinsight Assessments