Ken O’Kelley is a devoted man; devoted to family, leadership, God and camp. He is the Vice President of Camping Services at YMCA Atlanta; specifically, YMCA Camp High Harbour.
When we asked him why he chose his profession, his answer was heartfelt. He said his first overnight camping experience was life changing. He learned about himself and dealing with others. Through that experience he learned that serving others at camp enables him to watch young peoples’ lives change as much as his did. He has been working with campers for 28 years, and loves it as much today as he did the day he began.
Recently, we asked Ken a few questions about his life, likes and interests to share with fellow members of our community.
Question: If you could only eat at one place for an entire week in Hall County, where would it be?
Answer: “Buffalo’s in Oakwood.”
Q: How long have you lived in Hall County?
A: “My whole life. Gainesville is my hometown. My grandfather was a three term mayor in Gainesville and I graduated from Gainesville High School in 1979.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County?
A: “Gov. Nathan Deal.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
A: “Cancun.”
Q: What song most reminds you of Hall County?
A: “’Georgia on My Mind’ because when I was working for the Olympics in Hall County in 1996, that was the theme song.”
Q: What is your favorite social outing in Hall County?
A: “Mule Camp Market. It’s a fun time and a great event.”
Q: Do you have a favorite sandwich?
A: “A ham and cheese.”
Q: What is your favorite movie or the first movie you saw in a theater?
A: “’The Sound of Music,’ for both questions.”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Follow your dream. When you don’t get the answer, ask the dream maker.”
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, alive and a non-relative, who would it be?
A: “Bruce Wilkinson. He wrote the Dream Giver. It is a book about what happens when people have faith and I have lived that book.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.
PROJECT PATRONS:
