I was born and raised in central Illinois and began my journey at Kemper Military School in the summer of 1990 at the age of 12, following the completion of the 6th grade. I became a full-time student in the fall and spent six formative years at Kemper, earning the rank of First Lieutenant and receiving the Superior Cadet Award.

After Kemper, I attended a private Christian university, where I earned a double major bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Management and Non-Destructive Testing. I was honored to be included on the National Dean’s List and in Who’s Who Among American Students during my time there.

Following college, I launched my career in aviation, starting at an aviation repair facility in central Illinois. I worked my way up to become the Director of Maintenance for a new startup company. Currently, I serve as a Lead Maintenance Supervisor at a Bombardier Aircraft Service facility, where I oversee aircraft maintenance operations.

My time at Kemper Military School shaped my life in countless ways, particularly in developing my leadership skills and discipline. The lessons I learned as a cadet, both in the classroom and through my military responsibilities, provided the foundation for my success in the aviation industry and beyond. I am deeply proud to be part of the Kemper legacy and to give back as a member of the Alumni Association.

She is the proud mother of three sons: Dylan, Jacob, and Gabriel. Her experiences as both a parent and professional provide valuable perspective in supporting the mission and future of Kemper Military School.

Kelly Comer brings a diverse background in hospitality, leadership, and community involvement to the Kemper Military School Board of Directors. After beginning her career in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she transitioned into the hospitality industry, where she advanced from prep cook to kitchen manager, developing strong skills in team leadership, operations, and customer service.

Today, she remains active in the hospitality field while also pursuing creative interests through her handcrafted soap and jewelry business. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to service reflect the values of hard work, dedication, and lifelong learning.