Kelly Meighen

Kelly Meighen was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. She is the wife of retired Senator Michael Meighen. She was the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and was named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women in 2009.

Kelly Meighen was born Kelly Dillon November 8, 1949. She has two sisters Ann and Kate Dillon. Her parents are Richard and Elizabeth Dillon. Her mother Elizabeth was a Wren in the Royal Canadian Navy in Ottawa during WWII. And her father joined The Royal Canadian Regiment in 1939, serving overseas in Italy until he was wounded at Ortona on Christmas Eve, 1943. Her father was awarded the Military Cross for bravery. The family spent time at their cottage on Lake Huron.

She received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Huron University College, an affiliate of the University of Western Ontario (now Western University), in 1971. She has received Honorary Doctorates from Mount Alison University, (2000) The University of New Brunswick, (2003) and Western University, (2013).

Meighen is the President of the T.R. Meighen Family Foundation, a charity that makes donations to social health and welfare programs in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. She has been a member of the board since 1980 and is past chair of the CAMH (2014-2017) and past Chair of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation (2009-2012).(Centre for Addiction and Mental Health). She is a founding and current member on the board of directors for Jack.org, an organization that educates and empowers student leaders across Canada to be at the forefront of change in the mental health landscape. Kelly has been integral in the direction of Jack.org with her extensive experience in the non-profit sector. She has been Chair of McGill University's Academic Advising and Mentoring Advisory Board. She was Chair of the Stratford Festival of Canada from 2005 until 2007.

She and her husband donated $5-million to the Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada. Kelly Meighen is a member of the festival's board and chairwoman of its development and fundraising committee.

She helped establish the The Meighen Centre at Mount Allison University. The mission is to provide services and accommodations to Mount Allison University students with documented disabilities.

She has won several awards for philanthropic work. She received The Philanthropist of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2008. She was also recognized by her alma mater, Western University, in 2010 with the Dr. Ivan Smith Award. Along with her husband, she was a recipient of the Yorktown’s prestigious Humanitarian Award for Community Service in 2013. She was also awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal by the Governor of Canada. The Queen's golden Jubilee Medal has been awarded to military personnel and to Princes William and Harry.

Meighen was also named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women in 2009 by the Women's Executive Network.On Thursday Januray 31st, 2019 Kelly Meighen was named an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel by The Royal Regiment of Canada Association

She lives in Toronto with her husband Michael Meighen and their three sons.