Leadership Team

Brenda Schmidt
Chief Executive Officer and President

Brenda Schmidt has overall supervision of all hotel properties and operating personnel for Kelly Inns. She has been in the hospitality industry since 1977 and has been with the company since 1982. Brenda's range of experience involves all aspects of the hotel industry at a variety of management levels along with working with many franchises including Hilton, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Fairfield Inn, Microtel Inn, Quality Inns and Comfort Suites. Along with overseeing more than 525 employees, Brenda is able to draw upon this pool of people when situations arise that need special expertise.

Jeff Schoenhard
CHA, Regional Director

Jeff Schoenhard has been a committed member of the Kelly Inns team since 1989, he started out in a entry level position and turned this opportunity into a management position becoming Regional Director in 2001.  His years of service has provided him a variety of opportunities to oversee an assortment of hotel operations in corporate-based and leisure-destination markets.  He has also partnered with a number of franchises and labor through the construction and opening of several new hotels.  Jeff has experience with franchise including Marriott, Best Western, Wyndham, Choice and a variety of independent brands.    Jeff's operational, sales, and franchise experience makes him effective in recognizing the profit potential of a property
Jeff has a bachelor's degree from Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota with an emphasis in Travel & Hospitality. He has also served on many local and regional industry associations including Tourism Improvement Business Districts and the Montana Hotel and Lodging association.

Dawn M. Koble
Director of Operations

Dawn Koble has been with Kelly Inns, Ltd. since 1998, most recently being promoted to Director of Operations. Prior to this move, Dawn was a Regional Director since 2010. With over 30 years experience in Operations working with franchises such as Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hyatt, IHG and our Independent and Boutique hotels, Dawn has used her knowledge and experience to support the General Manager's on a variety of levels. Dawn's prime focus is on Product Improvement Inspections, Financial & Safety Property Audits, departmental procedures, General Manager Orientation Training and Customer Service program.

Dawn studied Marketing and Information Systems at Minot State University. Her industry associations include serving as the Best Western Co-op Chairperson for Nebraska and has been appointed by the BW Board of Directors as a Best Western Governor since 2018 for the state of Nebraska. 

Misty Nelson
Controller

Misty Nelson is the Controller of Kelly Inns, Ltd. Misty worked for Regency, our affiliated company for six years. She then went to work at the Washington Pavilion for six years here in Sioux Falls. Misty currently maintains accountability for monthly financial statements, payroll, accounts payable, regulatory returns and all internal controls.

Misty received her bachelor's degree in Accounting from University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.