Kelly Dorman | Board Member
Kelly Dorman brings to Jockey Relief Alliance a deeply personal understanding of the difference compassion, community and charitable organizations can make in people's lives. For many years, he has supported nonprofit organizations in a variety of ways, from working behind the scenes on fundraising efforts to speaking at events. Those experiences have given him firsthand insight into the meaningful impact a dedicated organization can have on individuals and families.
Many in the racing community know Kelly as the father of the late Cody Dorman, the namesake and inspiration behind 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish. The extraordinary bond between Cody and Cody's Wish touched people throughout horse racing and far beyond the sport. Kelly and his wife, Leslie, are also the proud parents of their daughter, Kylie, and family remains at the center of Kelly's life.
Being the father of a child with special needs gave Kelly and Leslie a unique perspective on life's challenges and blessings. Their experiences taught them the importance of compassion, gratitude and appreciating victories both large and small, while also giving them extensive firsthand experience navigating the medical world.
An avid horse racing fan, Kelly has developed a deep appreciation not only for the horses and jockeys, but for all of the people whose work makes racing possible. From the barn to the starting gate and beyond, he values the many individuals who contribute to the sport and the sense of community that surrounds it.
Professionally, Kelly currently works as an aircraft mechanic. He spent the majority of his career in automotive manufacturing and has a background in machining, welding and fabrication. Outside of racing, he enjoys fishing, golf, college football and basketball, as well as professional football and baseball.
As a member of the Jockey Relief Alliance Board of Directors, Kelly looks forward to giving back to a racing community that has given so much to him and his family. He brings to the Board not only his nonprofit and fundraising experience, but a deeply personal understanding of what it means to have a community stand beside a family during life's most challenging moments.
Kelly approaches this opportunity with tremendous gratitude and a desire to serve others, guided by the values that have shaped his life and his family.