Paul Kennedy is a retired US Army Aviation Officer with more than 30 years of service to his country.  Paul is a retired  Audit Manager with the US Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General.  

 Paul is a co-founder, past President, and current Vice President for Finance of the South Jersey Celtic Society (SJCS) whose mission is to promote and support Celtic Culture in and around Southern New Jersey.  Paul was instrumental in designing the SJCS’s mission, program, and fundraising activities, and instituting the SJCS’s premier event, the annual SJCS Robert Burns Supper, held on or near the Bards Birthday each January.  In fact, the society’s 17th Annual Robert Burns Supper was held on January 22nd and attended by over 80 members and guests ranging in age from 18 to 84. Paul was also the catalyst for the SJCS becoming a member of, and participating in the Robert Burns Association of North America (RBANA) and the Robert Burns World Federation (RBWF) where he currently holds positions as a US Director for RBANA, and a member of the Events Committee for RBWF. 

 In addition to hosting the annual Burns Supper, and due to its successful fundraising activities, SJCS provides scholarships, monetary awards, and other support to Celtic organizations such as local Pipe Bands, Scottish and Irish Dance Clubs and even institutions such as The Rosenbach Museum for the preservation of its collection of original Burns’ Manuscripts and its Bloomsday celebration. Due in large part to Paul’s early vision, the SJCS co-hosted a NJ Celtic Festival known as “Kilt Fest” in October 2021; now an annual event.  

 In its civic role, SJCS supports its local community, first responders and military organizations, and, as part of its cultural education program, the SJCS conducts quarterly whisky tastings under its “SJCS Scotch and Whiskey Appreciation Club” banner.  During this past year under severe conditions due to the COVID pandemic, our organization raised more than $3,000 in cash and food products for three local food banks. 

 Paul is a Celtic musician and performs regularly with friends and family at Irish and Scottish Festivals, Renaissance Fairs and other events.  He is an avid reader, poetry lover and amateur classical guitarist.  He has attended Burns Suppers in both Iraq and Afghanistan and in one case, addressed the Haggis in Baghdad only to do it again in New Jersey two days later.  Paul is married to his wife, Lynn, of 46 years, and together they have 5 children and 14 grandchildren.