…that Kelly Doonan-Reed works the bar at The Ark? She says, “I once dreamed of becoming a bartender in retirement—not quite there yet, but I’m living that dream by working the bar at The Ark! I love connecting with guests; everyone’s there to enjoy great music, and it’s a joy to be part of that atmosphere.”

By day, Kelly is a Product Manager at ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research). Her career has centered on helping people and organizations embrace and  improve processes and technologies-at the University of Michigan and across a range of industry projects.

Kelly and her husband Paul met at Michigan State University. Despite their Spartan roots, the pair made Ann Arbor their home for great career opportunities at U-M. They’re proud parents of Thomas, an Eagle Scout and sophomore at Grand Valley State University, and Alil, a freshman at Pioneer High School who is also on the path to becoming an Eagle Scout.

In addition to volunteering at The Ark, Kelly serves as a Deacon at First Congregational Church and is a proud member of Rotary’s Environmental Action Group. Outside of volunteering she enjoys Scouting, music, museum visits, gardening and group fitness classes like Zumba and kickboxing.

When asked why she joined Rotary, Kelly shared, “As a young person, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship that opened doors and shaped my future. I believe deeply in giving back—ensuring our communities have access to food, clothing, shelter, and enrichment. In the next phase of my life, I hope to dedicate more of my time and talents to serving others.”

—Melissa Foster