5 questions with… Rose Kelly, a Crain's Cleveland Business 40 under 40 honoree

More than a decade ago, Rose Kelly (LAW ’22) joined Case Western Reserve as an assistant controller for specialized accounting at the Case Western Reserve University’s Controller’s Office—a full-circle moment after previously auditing CWRU as a PwC associate. 

Today, Kelly leads the unit as associate vice president for finance and controller, overseeing payroll, centralized accounting and financial reporting, external audit coordination, indirect cost accounting, the Cashier’s Office and the financial arm of Enterprise Resource Planning. 

Kelly’s work at CWRU was recently highlighted by Crain’s Cleveland Business in its “40 Under 40 2025” class, which recognizes professionals under the age of 40 who have made significant achievements in their careers and communities. The class also featured CWRU alumnae Angela Lydon (LAW ’10), partner and vice chair of litigation practice at Frantz Ward LLP, and Jessica Payne (CWR ’08), president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland. 

“Knowing that I work for an institution doing groundbreaking research and trying to make the world a better place, I am honored to work at CWRU and to have such meaningful and impactful relationships,” said Kelly, who earned her master's in financial integrity from the law school three years ago. 

A major milestone in her recent work came during the university’s response to the new federal administration, when she helped analyze funding data, model financial scenarios and highlight the critical role of federal overhead recovery. 

Under her leadership, the team negotiated a new facilities and administrative recovery rate, enabling CWRU to recoup indirect research support costs—such as utilities, facilities maintenance and administrative services—from federal agencies.

“To be able to do so quickly and favorably in the current environment was actually remarkable and a really wonderful outcome for the university and research on campus,” she said. “It made me feel like I was doing my part to fight the good fight.” 

Outside CWRU, Kelly serves as chair of the Board of Trustees at Ruffing Montessori School and is passionate about expanding access to quality education. She also enjoys traveling—especially to England—and makes frequent trips to Walt Disney World with her husband and daughter.

Learn more about Kelly in this week’s five questions.

1. What first drew you to higher education, and was there a moment that shaped your path?

I always wanted to work for one of the large anchor institutions in Cleveland and when I saw the position open up at CWRU over 10 years ago, I seized it. It felt good to be part of something meaningful at an institution that contributes to bettering humanity and the world. 

2. What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I am a two-time cancer survivor, which has allowed me to see life's challenges from another perspective. It reminds me that I can get through anything and that the timeless sentiment, "this too shall pass" really is true. 

3. From where do you draw your biggest inspiration? 

I am always inspired by leadership who have appeared steady and calm through crisis. I love studying the history of people like Winston Churchill and Ernest Shackleton—captain of the ill-fated ship Endurance in the South Pole—to name a couple. I think it is so important to remain cool under pressure and I try to emulate that myself. 

4. What is your favorite thing about working at Case Western Reserve? 

I love the buildings and architecture—the classic mixing with the new. It's a beautiful place to work. I also love that it's in an old city, meaning we have all of the great cultural attractions that you normally only find in places like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. We have a world class museum of art, orchestra and more. We are spoiled and I take advantage of all of it.

5. As a Crain’s Cleveland Business “40 Under 40 2025” honoree, how did it feel to receive the recognition, and what does it mean to you?

I felt incredibly honored to be nominated by Brian Burnett, executive vice president and chief financial officer at the Division of Finance. When I learned that I was selected as an honoree over the summer, I couldn't believe it. I felt very proud and humbled at the same time. And I turn 40 this winter, so I really did just [sneak] in under the deadline!