Founder
Bob Kelly served as the president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation, which provided leadership for effective philanthropy, for two decades. In that capacity, he oversaw all activities, programs and asset management during a time of significant growth and achievements that have benefitted the entire San Diego region.
Prior to joining The San Diego Foundation, Bob served as executive director of the American Cancer Society San Diego and vice president for Southern California. He also previously served as assistant to the president and senior vice president of Sharp HealthCare and chief operating officer for Sharp HealthCare Foundation. In addition, Bob was senior vice president for CCP and Associates, a comprehensive cancer center consulting firm.
Bob’s commitment to his community is clearly reflected in his many volunteer roles and services activities, including time spent as a board member of the San Diego Symphony Foundation, the San Diego Real Estate Foundation, Beauchamp Charities, the Children’s Initiative, and Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute. He is a past president of the UCSD Alumni Association and a former chair of the Sharp HealthCare board, League of California Community Foundations, Youth for Progress, and San Diego Grantmakers. Bob has also served on the boards of the San Diego Chamber Foundation, the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, the Elsinore Cattle Co., the International Community Foundation, and the De Anza Country Club. He is a member of the Downtown Rotary and a graduate of UC San Diego.
His current positions include:
- Chairman, Borrego Valley Endowment Fund
- Board member, Mingei International Museum
- Board member, San Diego Hunger Coalition
- Board member, Legler Benbough Foundation
- Board member, Voice of San Diego
- One of nine committee members, Rotary International ($1.5 billion assets under management)
Bob is the principal of BK Foundation Advisors, a philanthropic consulting firm working with foundations, corporations, individuals and families.
