BIO
Born in Union, Utah, Kelly C. Atkinson faced an uphill battle from the very start. As a young boy, a severe speech impediment made him the target of ridicule, with cruel laughter and bullying casting long shadows over his childhood. But fate had other plans. His sixth-grade teacher saw beyond the struggle, taking Kelly under his wing with unwavering dedication, tutoring him day after day. With the steadfast support of his stepmother, Georgia, and the tireless efforts of his mentor, Kelly conquered the very challenge that had once held him back.
Determined to carve out a future, Kelly worked his way through the University of Utah—no cushy scholarships, no safety net—just the grit of a young man pushing a mop across quiet hallways as a night custodian. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communications.
Kelly’s deep passion for government led him to an audacious decision in 1986—he threw his hat into the political ring. Against all odds, he became the first member of his political party elected from his legislative district since the Great Depression, a historic victory. In the Utah House of Representatives, Kelly championed education policy, securing a seat on the powerful Education Appropriations Committee throughout his tenure. He ascended to Minority Whip from 1990 to 1996, before making an ambitious but unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Congress.
Recognized as one of the “most effective legislators” on Capitol Hill by The Deseret News for four out of his five terms, Kelly left his mark on Utah’s political landscape. Twice named Legislator of the Year, he earned rare distinctions for a minority-party member—including two invitations from the Majority Party to chair a subcommittee.
Kelly’s career continued to be driven by his commitment to education and public service. As Executive Director of the Utah School Employees Association, he represented more than 7,200 classified professionals in Utah’s school districts. In 1996, he took on the presidency of the American Association of Classified School Employees, then later built a successful contract lobbying firm before retiring in 2019.
Yet, his dedication wasn’t limited to politics. In 1987, Kelly joined the newly founded West Jordan Rotary Club, invited by hospital administrator Bob Landenberger. From club president to Rotary Zone Coordinator, Kelly devoted himself to the organization alongside his wife, Penny. Together, they earned Rotary’s highest honor—the Service Above Self award—and became proud members of the Art Klumph Society.
But their greatest contribution? Opening their home to 31 exchange students from across the globe, fostering cultural connections that shaped generations. Their two sons and two of their three grandsons even embarked on foreign exchanges, carrying forward the legacy of international understanding.
Today, Kelly enjoys life in Herriman with Penny—his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years. Penny, a retired Human Resources specialist with a master’s degree in Business Administration, served as the first woman Governor of UtahRotary and remains deeply engaged in Rotary.
From overcoming adversity to shaping policy, Kelly C. Atkinson’s life is a testament to resilience, service, and the power of education to transform lives