Kelly Hokanson is a former teacher and wife of General Daniel Hokanson, Chief, National Guard Bureau. Kelly hails from the Golden State where her parents retired after her father's 26 years in the Navy, which included service in World War II and the Korean War.

Kelly began her professional career as a legal assistant in a law firm while attending college. She had every intention of attending law school until she met a young Army Aviator and decided to leave college and get married. After three children, numerous PCS moves, and multiple colleges, Kelly graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Oregon University, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Health Education from Oregon State University. She has taught at the middle school, high school, and junior college level. By far, her most rewarding professional experience was working within alternative education, teaching students many had given up on.

Over the course of their 31-year marriage, Kelly has been the Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader in almost every echelon of the Active Army and National Guard. She was a Senior Spouse at The Adjutant General (Oregon), the Director, Army National Guard, and Vice Chief National Guard (joint position) level and brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and innovation to the National Guard Senior Spouse role. She has been volunteering her time to military Soldier and family efforts for all of Dan’s career. She currently serves as an Honorary Gala Ambassador for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), is a member of the Service Council with the USO, the Honorary Chairperson with the National Guard Employment Network (NGEN) and member of the Leveraging Opportunities and Vocations for Employment (LOVE) Council, and Honorary President and Advisor to the National Guard Bureau Officer Spouses' Club (NGBOSC). She is a former advisory board member in Portland and a former board member for USO Northwest.

Kelly’s motto has always been “Family above everything else”. The Hokansons have three children; their daughter Victoria, an officer in the Air National Guard, and their sons Danny Jr. and McKinnon, officers in the US Army. They are also blessed to have a son-in-law, Dan, a Marine Corps officer and their daughter-in-law, Jenna. Kelly and Dan are proud grandparents to Isla, Adeline, Myra, and have a fur grandbaby Jameson. Kelly enjoys traveling, reading, running and especially loves visiting her children and granddaughters whenever possible.