Kelly Ferguson

Commander
DISC Type : D

Vice President, Client Success & Operations at Automotus

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Overview

Kelly Ferguson is the Vice President of Client Success & Operations at Automotus, focusing on helping cities manage curb parking to reduce congestion and emissions. With a background from Vanderbilt University and UC Santa Barbara, she previously led cleantech pilot programs at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator. People often describe her as talented, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic.

She is passionate about community and environmental issues, serving on the board of Blue Sky Center, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening rural communities. Previously, she was the Environmental Director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, where she spearheaded climate adaptation and conservation efforts.

Unique fact: Kelly led the effort to deploy the nations first Zero Emissions Delivery Zone in Santa Monica.

Personality Overview

Strong-Willed

Candid & Clear

Decisive

They like to be in a position where they can control the conversation and terms.  They respond better to strong and respectful interactions. They like to act fast and expect others to do the same.

Topics They Care About

Curb Management
Her work at Automotus centers on creating safer and more efficient streets by implementing smart loading zones and reducing congestion through technology.
Cleantech Innovation
As the first Director of Pilots at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, she deployed zero-emissions mobility and delivery pilots in the LA region.
Rural Resilience
She serves on the board of Blue Sky Center, a nonprofit focused on supporting the economic and community development of the rural Cuyama Valley.

Media Appearances

Kelly has no verified media appearances

Work History

10-2025
Vice President, Client Success & Operations at Automotus
6-2021 - 10-2025
Chief Of Staff at Automotus
8-2018 - 5-2021
Director Market Transformation, Pilots at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)
3-2017 - 8-2018
Director, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, Energize CA at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)
3-2014 - 2-2017
Environmental Director at Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Education

2006 - 2008
Master from UC Santa Barbara
2000 - 2004
BS from Vanderbilt University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : N/A Location : Santa Barbara, California, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Vice President, Client Success & Operations at Automotus
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Insights For Selling To Kelly

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Speak about competitive differentiation that your product offers
  • When negotiating terms, help them build an impression that they are the ones calling the shots
  • Make sure that you circle back fast on any action items, it wins their trust

DONT's

  • Do not hesitate from asking counter questions, just avoid challenging their authority
  • Don’t take too much time in sending them information if they ask for any
  • Don’t be in a rush to invite them for a social meet and greet

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Kelly is

  • Conviction around the impact matters the most to them, followed by a sense of achievement and ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Kelly

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no without any hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Kelly move?

  • They can take decisions very fast if you manage to convince them.
  • Can Kelly take some risk or not?

  • The risks don’t matter much to them.

You And Kelly

Personality Compatibility


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