Richard Kelly is the chief operating officer of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida, the fifth largest Make-A-Wish chapter in the world. Kelly joined the Make-A-Wish staff as director of special events in 1997 and was promoted to his current role in 2006.
Kelly’s main responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the chapter’s 22-county footprint while maintaining and enhancing the brand of the organization. Kelly is also involved with the chapter’s budgeting, planning, compliance, and growth initiatives.
Previously, Kelly served as the community relations assistant for Miami Dolphins from 1993 – 1997. He became intimately involved with the Make-A-Wish organization after coordinating many of the “meet Dan Marino” wishes which featured wish kids.
Kelly resides in Pembroke Pines, Florida with his wife of 31 years Pauline and has three daughters – Meaghan, Alyssa and Hannah. He is an avid runner who has completed eight marathons and enjoys outdoor activities, sporting events, and spending time with his family.
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW
In this episode of World of Wishes, we sit down with Andy Cunningham, wish dad and member of the Tampa Bay Advisory Board.
Andy's daughter Kennedy had a dream come true when she met Joanna Gaines on the set of Magnolia Table. While battling leukemia, Kennedy’s wish brought back the joy, love, and energy that cancer and treatment had taken away. Andy shares the profound impact of Kennedy’s experience, the kindness of Joanna, her husband Chip and the Magnolia team, and how a single wish can bring hope and a renewed spirit in the toughest times.