Meet Patrick

Patrick Kelly is a proven leader in the Lawrence community, implementing meaningful solutions without a political agenda. A lifelong educator and advocate for preparing tomorrow’s workforce, Patrick led the establishment and growth of technical training in Douglas County at the Lawrence College and Career Center and Peaslee Tech. He is committed to expanding opportunities for all citizens of Lawrence and Douglas County while preserving the vibrant and unique community he has called home for over 30 years.

As a county commissioner Patrick has:

Prioritized supporting vulnerable populations so that every community member can realize a path to opportunity;
Reframed economic development by honoring individuals and families, including elevating discussions around early childhood education, elder care and housing;
Balanced the desire to preserve our valuable natural resources while being thoughtful in developing policies for economic growth; and
Enhanced the quality of life for all of Douglas County to create a unique place to live, work, learn and play.

Beyond his seat on the Douglas County Commission, Patrick has served Douglas County residents well as a member of the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission and on the PLAN 2040 Steering Committee to consider what the future of Douglas County will look like over the next two decades. A graduate of Leadership Lawrence and Kansas Leadership Center, Patrick now leads leadership training for the community through Leadership Lawrence, Leadership Douglas County and the Kansas Leadership Center.

Patrick has spent his entire career investing in the future of Douglas County. As a music teacher at West Junior High, Hillcrest Elementary and Free State High School, and as the Director of Fine Arts for the Lawrence Public Schools and the Associate Principal of Free State High School, and now the Chief Academic Officer for Lawrence Public Schools, Patrick has been committed to quality education for all in Douglas County with a keen eye on building the future workforce to support the Douglas County economy and businesses. As chair of the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission, he was instrumental in the development of the Lawrence Cultural Arts Plan in setting a vision to improve the community’s health and economic development through the arts. His work on the Douglas County Commission has included roles on the Lawrence Affordable Housing Advisory Board, the Economic Development Council of Douglas County, the Behavioral Health Leadership Coalition, Peaslee Tech Board of Directors and KU Innovation Park.

He is a graduate of the University of Kansas with degrees in music education and educational leadership. He has served on the board at VanGo, Theatre Lawrence, the Friends of the Lied Center and the Lawrence Schools Foundation.

Patrick’s wife Amy is a trademark attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and equally involved in the community. Patrick has two adult daughters and he and his wife Amy have often volunteered in local community theatre productions. They are proud to live, work and play in Lawrence and Douglas County.