Meet Kelly

Advisory Committee Member Spotlight

Kelly Lao

Kelly Lao

Kelly Lao is the Executive Director of the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport, Iowa. Her work on German immigration and experiences has brought forth connections to many other ethnic experiences including Swedish immigration, particularly in the Midwest. She looks forward to volunteering on the committee to help community members draw connections between European immigration in the 19th Century and today's new community members from regions across the globe. She also seeks to bring museums and research organizations into 21st Century leadership positions utilizing a DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion) lens. She holds degrees in Anthropology and Museum Studies and lives in Rock Island with her husband and three children.

Kelly joined the Swenson Center's advisory committee this year.

Welcome, Kelly!