Kelli Polon

Kelli Polon currently serves as the Deputy Controller and Treasurer at the Smithsonian Institution, a position held since August 2023, following a notable tenure as Chief Financial Officer and Controller at the National Center on Education and the Economy from June 2014 to August 2023. Previously, Kelli held multiple roles including Senior Director of Finance, Controller, and Senior Accountant at Defenders of Wildlife from November 2008 to June 2014. Early professional experience includes positions as Senior Associate and Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers from January 2006 to November 2008. Kelli Polon holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Wake Forest University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the College of Charleston.