Falls Church, VA (October 13, 2026) – The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) congratulates Life University on the appointment of Dr. Brian Kelly as its next President. Life University, based in Marietta, Georgia, announced the appointment on October 9, 2026, and Dr. Kelly will assume the presidency in November 2026.
Life University reported that Dr. Kelly was selected after an executive search conducted with the firm Carter Baldwin. Dr. Kelly has more than three decades of experience in chiropractic education, higher education leadership, and clinical practice. Dr. Kelly earned his chiropractic qualification in Australia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
“On behalf of the International Chiropractors Association, I congratulate Dr. Brian Kelly and the Life University Board of Trustees on this important appointment,” said ICA President Dr. Joe Betz. “Dr. Kelly brings tremendous experience – having already served successfully as president of two chiropractic colleges. This level of experience matters at this time in history for Life and the profession. Strong, well-led institutions that prepare Doctors of Chiropractic to the highest standard are essential to the advancement of chiropractors in our health care systems globally. We look forward to working with Dr. Kelly to advance chiropractic education and research.”
Dr. Kelly served as President of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic from 2003 to 2011 and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Chiropractic College West in California from 2011 to 2016.2 During his time in New Zealand, the college achieved recognition from the New Zealand Ministry of Education and accreditation by the Australasian Council on Chiropractic Education.3 During his tenure at Life West Chiropractic College, Dr. Kelly focused and succeeded in increasing enrollment. He also established a rugby team at Life West and the WAVE conference, both of which bring together the chiropractic community.
Most recently, Dr. Kelly worked in private practice in Auckland, New Zealand, focusing on elite athletes and concussion care through upper cervical chiropractic.
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Beth Clay, Executive Director
Last updated on October 14, 2026 at 10:32 am