The Digital Promise family mourns the loss of Dr. Eamon Michael Kelly, Chairman of the Board of Digital Promise and Digital Promise Global, an inspiring leader who devoted his life to educating and empowering people across America and around the world. Dr. Kelly passed away on June 28, 2017.
Dr. Kelly was instrumental in turning Digital Promise from an idea into a reality, serving as Chairman from our launch in 2011 until his passing. His leadership, deep expertise, and wisdom guided us to our current success. And his warmth, wry humor, and quiet presence made him a pleasure to work with. He will be deeply missed.
Dr. Kelly had the distinction of being the first social scientist elected Chairman of the Board of the National Science Foundation and served as President Emeritus of Tulane University, after serving as President of Tulane for 17 years from 1981 to 1998. Prior to Tulane, Dr. Kelly served as Officer-in-Charge for the Office of Social Development at the Ford Foundation, the Foundation’s largest domestic and civil rights division.
Among his many other accomplishments was serving as Director of Policy Formulation with the Economic Development Administration, Chairman of the Association of American Universities, and Chairman of the Satellite Working Group, which established the first nationwide private satellite system for the benefit of the Public Broadcasting Service. He also served as a special consultant to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1977, helping draft legislation that prevented the insolvency of New York City.
This is an incredible loss. Our hearts go out to his family and everyone that knew him. We are privileged to carry on the work he helped us begin.
With deep gratitude,
Karen Cator
President & CEO
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