Kelly Jo McDonnell - Director of Operations
Nickname:(Given by Mr Schara) Ms. Kelly.
Kelly Jo joined Ron Schara Enterprises, Inc. in May of 1996. She has a background in television production, PR, writing and Radio production. She has her BA in Mass Communications and English Literature from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa and her MA in Communications from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. As Operations Director, Kelly Jo enjoys "Keeping the home fires burning", as Mr. Schara describes it. Her main focus is the production crew and Ron¹s travel, timelines, traffic, and scheduling for the TV programs. She also handles the company's PR duties, staff management, and Mr. Schara¹s personal schedule.
During the off time, like her coworkers, Kelly Jo enjoys the outdoors. When she's not busy with her son¹s t-ball and swimming lessons, she likes to camp with family and will attempt to take her canoe out for leisurely float trips on the lake or river. A yearly houseboat vacation up to Voyageur's National Park with family is a favorite trip. She also loves her yearly "Mother/Daughter" travels across the country with her Mother, and fishing with her Father who is a fishing guide in Okoboji, Iowa, and playing Rec Basketball and Volleyball when she can. In the fall, she can be seen taking part in Iowa Hawkeye football tailgate activities with friends.
Kelly Jo, an Iowa native, lives in Lino Lakes, Minnesota with her son Hayden, who is 5 and half. She is active in Hayden¹s school and sports activities, the Anoka County Library volunteer program, her Church and Briar Cliff¹s Alumni/women¹s sports Association. She is a member of the local chapter of American Women in Radio and Television, the National Association for Female Executives and the National Association of Professional Women.
Interesting Facts:
Nickname: Ms. Kelly or KJ
Played Basketball and Volleyball in College
Hometown was only 500 people
Freelance model
Was a Country DJ on the Radio in Minneapolis back in 93