Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings

Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings was first elected to the City Council on November 3, 2020 for a four-year term, and was appointed in November 2024 for a four-year term. On March 7, 2023, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings was selected as Mayor, and on November 7, 2023, she was reaffirmed to continue as Mayor for a one-year term. On November 18, 2025, she was selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Currently, Mayor Pro Tem Jennings is Council Liaison to the Parks, Recreation & Senior Commission, Investment Banking & Audit Committee, City/CDBG Grant Sub Committee, Youth Committee, Orange County Fire Authority Executive Committee, Orange County Fire Authority Legislative & Public Affairs Committee, and South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committee.

Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings is passionate about public service and loves giving back to the Laguna Niguel community. She is the Community Life Director for Mission Lutheran Church in Laguna Niguel, where she oversees the church’s operations including its work with six global and five regional charities. Kelly previously served as the elected Director for the Moulton Niguel Water District and as a Commissioner for the Santiago Aqueduct Commission.

Kelly has been a longtime member of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce and promotes local small business success by serving as a Chamber Ambassador. She also serves as a Director of Sustain Southern California, which advances sustainability and economic growth through innovation, collaboration and education.

A native Southern Californian, Kelly grew up in Long Beach and Huntington Beach. She lives in Laguna Niguel with her family including her husband, John Mark Jennings, and their children.