Kelly Major Green has broken new ground as the first Black woman elected to the Detroit Athletic Club’s board of directors. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for both Green and the century-old institution that has long served as a gathering place for Detroit’s business leaders and influencers.
“I’m honored to have been elected by the membership,” Green shared about her groundbreaking appointment. “I don’t know if the moment has really sunk in for me personally. I got elected and got right to work on the board because it’s an important job.”
A True Detroiter Committed to Community Growth
Born and raised in Detroit, Green’s connection to the city runs deep. She embodies the spirit of the 313 with pride and purpose. “I’m a Detroiter through and through,” she stated. “I love the city. I have great affection for Detroit. I like Detroit’s no-nonsense attitude.”
After earning her education elsewhere and spending time in Chicago, Green returned to her hometown. Her commitment extends beyond words—she and her husband John Green Jr. deliberately chose to live within city limits to support Detroit’s infrastructure and education system. “The reason we live in the city is to support the city, to support the tax rolls, particularly for children who don’t have the capacity to pay for their own education,” Green explained.
Breaking Barriers with Educational Excellence and Professional Expertise
Green brings impressive credentials to her historic role. She holds an electrical engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship from Northwestern University. Currently, she serves as an institutional consulting director at Greystone Consulting, a division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
Her professional journey reflects both excellence and purpose. With 20 years of membership at the Detroit Athletic Club, Green views the institution as “an extension of my work life” where exercise, recreation, and professional connections blend together. Fellow members and staff “have become like friends and family to me,” she noted.
Standing on the Shoulders of Trailblazers
Green acknowledges that her achievement builds upon earlier efforts. “I know Linda [Forte] paved the way along with other board members to get to this moment,” Green recognized, referring to the first Black woman who previously ran for the board but wasn’t elected. “I am incredibly grateful to the support that I got from my fellow members and the support from current and former leaders inside the club.”
The significance of this moment isn’t isolated. Green connects her achievement to broader progress for Black women in leadership roles. “It also isn’t lost on me—the time that we’re living in,” she reflected. “How Black women are embraced in all aspects of life in 2025. I was overwhelmed at the moment, and I still get overwhelmed thinking about it.”
Inspiring Future Generations Through Representation
Green’s appointment resonates deeply with many in the Detroit community. “People came to me and said—other African-American women, either members or nonmembers—who said things like, ‘My grandmother used to work in the laundry at the XYZ club, and how proud they would have been to see me in this role,'” she shared.
This recognition carries weight beyond personal achievement. Green embraces the responsibility of representation. “My hope is to inspire other young women, women of color, African-American women, and just be a role model—whether I’m actively coaching that or just by their observance of me—that they can be inspired to know that anything is possible for them.”
