The Evolution of NSEVP:
From North Shore Roots to Statewide Impact
Founded in 2015 by Kevin Kelly, the North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership (NSEVP) was created to help strengthen the economy of Oʻahu’s North Shore through community-driven, locally rooted opportunity. Inspired by his leadership of the 2013 Clusters of Opportunity initiative, Kelly believed that agriculture, local knowledge, and regional collaboration could create meaningful jobs while honoring Hawaiʻi’s environmental, cultural, and rural values. He also helped launch Hawaiʻi GroupGAP, laying the foundation for NSEVP’s broader impact across the state. Although Kevin Kelly passed away in July 2025, his vision and leadership remain an enduring part of the organization’s mission today.
Kevin Kelly
Founder
Kevin Kelly founded North Shore EVP after leading the 2013 Clusters of Opportunity project, a community-driven, economic analysis of the North Shore region. Kevin believed in integrating existing assets, including people, to generate new jobs and economic opportunities that would contribute to the growth and sustainability of North Shore communities. A marine geologist with extensive seagoing and deep submergence experience, Kevin went on to receive his MBA and later served as an advisor to the University of Hawai‘i’s Vice-President of Research and Innovation before retiring in 2020. Kevin put his heart and soul into launching North Shore EVP and the Hawaiʻi GroupGAP program. He passed away in July 2025 and he is deeply missed. His leadership style guides our team today.
