“McDonnell, who grew up in small-town Iowa, still carries a disarming, take-charge sunniness.” -Laura Yuen, Minnesota Star Tribune.

Kelly Jo began her writing career in Royal, Iowa, writing short story fiction and writing for the local newspaper. Now grown up (up for debate) she is a six-time Midwest Emmy award winning television writer and producer, podcast host, voice-over talent and strategist with experience script writing, editing, PR and marketing, special events and leading initiatives for local and national television networks.

She has a BA in Mass Communications and English Literature and a MA in Communications. She is an unflinching optimist, a practicing author and a fan of Chuck Norris jokes. Her scripts and stories air on Amazon Prime, Utube, The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, ESPN, The Outdoor Channel, KARE-11/NBC and Bally’s. She has a college-aged son, Hayden, who attends St. John’s University. She loves traveling, going to music concerts and doing things outdoors with husband and filmmaker, Cy Dodson-who owns Triumph Pictures in the Twin Cities.

She currently co-hosts Latchkey Logic, a podcast about all things Gen X. She is a CSB/SJU Communications Department guest lecturer and is an active volunteer mentor at Bethel University and the Midwest Emmy Chapter. She has served on the The Loft Literary Center Board in Mpls, Executive Board for the MN. Children & Nature Connection; Lino Lakes Environmental Board, and Lino Lakes Parks and Rec Board. You can find her at kelly@mnbound.com or https://kellyjomcdonnell.com/