Twenty years ago today, Kelley Franklin (now Atchison) walked through the doors of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) office in Mascoutah, Ill. Kelley was hired to “assist” another NFED staff member. But Kelley quickly found her own, very valuable niche.
It has been my extreme honor and pleasure to work with Kelley 19 of her 20-year tenure here at the NFED. For all of these years, my office has been right next door to Kelley’s.
That certainly has resulted in lots of collaboration but also a lot of fun! Kelley’s laughter resounds in the halls of the NFED office. Of course, now, her laughter is quick on zoom.
Kelley joined the NFED after leaving a position at a formal wear sales shop. She grew up at the foundation, getting married to her wonderful husband, Jeff, and having two beautiful children, Jane and Katherine. Kelley’s family is very important to her, as is the NFED family. Her dedication and commitment to family is unmeasurable.
Watch Our Tribute to Kelley!
Her Many NFED Hats
Kelley soon found herself in charge of our Apple Classic Golf Tournament and also took on more family support responsibilities. Her skills and knowledge continued to grow and she soon became an “expert” on our staff.
Kelley and the Apple Classic Golf Tournament Committee 
Elizabeth Hazzard-Herzing and Kelley Atchison work registration at the Apple Classic.
Now, Kelley manages most of the NFED support programs. Her heart is big and loving enough to provide empathic, compassionate support to more than 9,000 individuals. It is Kelley’s voice and warmth that welcomes all new families and supports all individuals in our community.
Kelley is the lead in organizing the annual Family Conference and Kays’ Kids Camp and Teens Program. She plans our webinars, works with Family Liaisons, assists with the Insurance Assistance Program and so much more. Over the last two decades, she’s led or helped with almost every facet of operations.
Kelley works with our Family Liaisons, Beth Pond, DeAnn Huxman and Jack Kriz. 
Kelley makes sure meals and all activities at Family Conference go perfectly!
But, the most important aspect of her day-to-day activities is connecting with families and walking with them on their ectodermal dysplasia journey. Her love and dedication is nothing short of amazing. She speaks to all with loving kindness and offers help and support when they need it the most.
Her uncanny memory and attention to detail make her the perfect ally for families. The NFED community is indeed fortunate to have Kelley working with our community.
Richter Remembers
Our founder, Mary Kaye Richter, recalls fondly hiring Kelley and her contribution to the NFED team.
“One of the most marvelous aspects of the NFED is the incredible people who have worked there. Whenever there was a need for an addition to the staff, just the right person would appear. And so, it was the day the Kelley Atchison showed up at our door—although her name wasn’t Atchison at the time.
As I peered over my desk to interview who I came to call “little bit”, I was immediately impressed by her caring attitude and desire to help an organization that was moving along. The job offer couldn’t have been better placed as “little bit” soon carved her own perfect niche in NFED operations.
watching many of our kiddos and tweens grow up!
As time passed, it was clear that her communications with our families were filled with respect, admiration and affection. No one could have done it better as she identified regional family contacts, helped families with looming problems and always provided helpful advice with a loving smile. She may be a “little bit” but she’s carved out a major spot for herself in NFED operations but more importantly she has become the contact person families can look to for good advice, wisdom, and helpfulness.
Terri Matus (left) and Beth Orchard (right).
I don’t know what Kelley expected from her career with the NFED but I think she has found it to be a blessing in many ways as she has been a blessing to others. Happy 20th Kelley. Here’s to many, many more!”
Unbound Gratitude
Thank you Kelley, for your 20 years at the NFED! Thank you for your loving support to our community! We LOVE you!
Join me in congratulating Kelley and thanking her for her amazing contribution to our mission. I invite you to leave a message for her in the comments below.
Here’s to 20 more, Kelley!