A retired mother and grandmother, Jean originally hails from Largs. Her working life was varied and included running a hotel in Greenock while raising her three young daughters Kerry, the late Emma and Cher. When the girls were older she worked for the charity, Shelter and became Area Manager in Northampton and finally in Scotland. Jean's first memory of Burns was with her late brother Robert, who won prizes for recitation whilst on holiday.

She joined Greenock Burns Club in 1998 and the Federation in 2000. Being on the Conference Committee since 2000 she has supported this and remains an active member to this day. She also supports the local School’s Burns Supper in Inverclyde for the last 20 years and assists with the Annual Schools Competitions and latterly the Killie Week in July which raises funds for RBWF.

Jean is a Past President of Greenock Burns Club (the Mother Club) and was instrumental in raising funds for it to be granted a Club Coat of Arms during her year of office. She has delivered many toasts over the years and is in great demand as a speaker

Jeam is also a member of Skelmorlie Poosie Nancy’s Club, Inverclyde Speakers Club, and from a very recent visit in May 2023 to RBNA in Canada, is now a member and ambassador for Medicine Hat Burns Club, Alberta.

Burns Clubs are all very different and diverse and Jean believes that is what makes the Robert Burns World Federation so special..

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.

Past President (2016 & 2017), The Airts Burns Club No 516 and Secretary since 2012. President & Chairman of the Edinburgh & District Burns Clubs Association (EDBCA).

I am a retired administrator  - previously with Standard Life for 40 years in their Life & Pensions Division then as a Care Home administrator since 2017 with Crossreach, the welfare division of the Church of Scotland.

I joined the Airts Burns Club in 2008. I have been honoured as an Honorary President of the Thorntree Mystic Burns Club No 740 and also with Distinguished Membership of the Seton Burns Club No 1067. I joined the RBWF in 2015 and served on the Schools Committee from 2016 to 2019 and rejoined the same in 2022. I joined the EDBCA in 2015, serving as Secretary until 2024 becoming Chairman that same year.

A native of Musselburgh, I enjoy supporting the local community. I was Secretary of the Musselburgh Bowling Club for 14 years. I was honoured to be selected as Musselburgh’s Toun Crier for their Riding of the Marches Festival in 2016. An event which takes place every 21 years having its origins going back over 350 years and is a much-celebrated event in the town’s long history.

A keen Freemason, I was Master of the local masonic lodge (St. John Fisherrow No. 112) in 1999, 2000 and 2013 and Secretary thereof for 10 years. I am proud member of the Board of Grand Stewards of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

I have been married for 44 years to Jane and we have 1 son. Jane is also retiring this year as an administrator with the National Health Service. If fortunate to be elected as JVP I promise to do everything in my power to support the RBWF in all its ventures.