IBPA Publishing University 2026

Born and raised in New Orleans, award-winning civil engineer Courtney Kelly has made a name for herself both as a well-respected construction management professional and self-published children’s book author. Courtney currently resides in Dallas, Texas where she serves as a Project Director for H.J. Russell & Company, a commercial construction firm, holds bachelor of science degrees in civil engineering and math, as well as a master’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Methodist University (SMU). She also holds an MBA from Lamar University. In 2023 she was selected as an Engineering News-Record Texas & Louisiana Top Young Professional. Her self-published children's books, Celeste Saves the City and Celeste Tunnels Underground, have been translated into three languages and sold in over 16 countries. Most recently, she has become an adjunct professor at SMU teaching Quality Management in Construction Projects.

**
Courtney's Breakout Session, "Booking International Author Events," will take place on Sat May 16, 3:30pm-4:30pm

**
Courtney's “Ask the Experts” consult schedule is:
 
Fri May 15, 2:20pm-2:35pm
Table 4A
One-on-One
Children's & YA Publishing
Catherine Craig (Ooligan Press/Portland State University)

Sat May 16, 1:00pm-1:15pm                
Table 3B
One-on-One
Ingram/IngramSpark
Chris O'Brien - Diggypod