Kelly Harper Lee joins Library Foundation’s Board of Directors

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation is proud to welcome Kelly Harper Lee to our Board of Directors. Kelly brings a powerful combination of education leadership, community engagement, and corporate social impact experience to the Foundation. She currently serves as the Community Affairs Manager for the Atlanta, GA and Columbus, OH Field Offices at McDonald’s Corporation, where she leads community engagement efforts across eight states, building strategic partnerships that generate meaningful local impact.

Before joining McDonald’s, Kelly was Director of Community Impact for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, where she spearheaded high-profile social impact initiatives and partnerships, including collaborations with Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote and the City of Atlanta. Additionally, she previously worked as a leadership coach and managed strategic community initiatives within the Global Social Responsibility team at McKinsey & Company.

Kelly’s commitment to literacy and learning is deeply rooted in her background as an educator. A former elementary school reading teacher, she was named D.C. Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for National Teacher of the Year—recognitions that reflect her lifelong dedication to student success.

“I’m excited to join the Library Foundation board of directors because, as a former elementary school reading teacher, I’ve seen how a strong library can lift an entire community—helping kids, job seekers, and lifelong learners thrive,” Kelly shared. “As someone who loves reading, I’m eager to grow programs that put great books, trusted librarians, and welcoming spaces within reach of every neighbor.”

Kelly is also an active civic leader, serving with organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., LEAD Atlanta, Make-A-Wish Georgia, and serves on the Board of Directors for Hands On Atlanta and Teach For America Metro Atlanta. She holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College, and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Georgia Terry School of Business.

Kelly joins the incredible group of volunteers on our Board of Directors. “Kelly’s leadership at the intersection of education, community engagement, and corporate social impact makes her an exceptional addition to our Board,” said Jeff Steely, Board Chair of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation.

“I love libraries because they turn my personal passion for reading into shared opportunity—opening doors to skills, stories, and belonging for people of all ages,” Kelly said. “Supporting them lets me amplify that impact across our city, investing in literacy, digital access, and the community connections that help everyone move forward.”