Last updated on: February 6, 2025
Kerry J. Kelly is known for her incredible work in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and as the mother of comedian Colin Jost. She has a remarkable career and is admired for her hard work, leadership, and dedication. Let’s learn more about this amazing woman and her life.
Quick Facts About Kerry J. Kelly
| Full Name | Dr. Kerry J. Kelly |
| Birthdate | 1955 |
| Occupation | Physician, Former Chief Medical Officer at FDNY |
| Husband/Wife | Husband: Daniel A. Jost |
| Education | Graduated from Brown University, attended Princeton University |
| Age | 70 years and 2 months old |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Grandchildren | Cosmo Jost |
| Children | Colin Jost (comedian), Casey Jost (writer, producer) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $5 million (Approx.) |
Early Life and Education
Kerry J. Kelly was born and raised in the United States. She graduated from Brown University. She then went on to medical school. She later spent a semester at Princeton University, which gave her a broad education and helped shape her career.
A Trailblazer at FDNY
Dr. Kelly made history in 1981 by being one of the first female physicians to join the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). This was a huge achievement since the fire department had mostly male staff at that time. She worked in the FDNY for 37 years and became an important figure in the department.
Dr. Kelly was promoted to the Chief Medical Officer role, which she served in for over 10 years. Being the first female Chief Medical Officer, she created a precedent that would be seen by women in general. She oversaw the medical care of firefighters and other first responders, making sure that they received proper health support when they needed it most, after some difficult and dangerous situations.
Helping at Ground Zero
One of Dr. Kelly’s most important contributions happened during the September 11, 2001 attacks. On that day, when disaster struck, she was on the frontlines at Ground Zero. Dr. Kelly led the triage teams, helping firefighters and other emergency workers who were injured. She worked in harsh conditions, with very little rest, but she remained focused on her mission. Her actions on 9/11 saved lives and made all the difference for many first responders.
Even after the attacks, Dr. Kelly stayed involved in support for first responders. She continues to work with the World Trade Center Health Program to help individuals who developed medical conditions due to exposure to toxins from the site. This shows her deep commitment to the people who put their lives on the line to protect others.
Retirement and Continuing Advocacy
After retiring from the FDNY in 2018, Dr. Kelly didn’t stop her great work. She continued to support healthcare for first responders and also helped increase public awareness of their medical needs. She is an Advisor to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial and continues to push improvements in care and support for those traumatized by the attacks.
She has inspired many, especially women, to pursue careers in fields once dominated by men. Dr. Kelly’s hard work and dedication to helping others have made her a role model for generations to come.
Family Life and Personal Achievements
She is also a proud mother to Colin Jost, who works for Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a well-known comedian and writer. Colin Jost was raised along with his brother Casey Jost in Staten Island, New York. Colin Jost married the beautiful actress Scarlett Johansson. He usually discusses how the efforts of his parents made a career out of him.
Dr. Kelly has been a great example to her children. Colin narrates how the work ethic and dedication of his mother had helped him in all walks of life. It’s evident that the leadership and compassion of Dr. Kelly left an indelible mark on her family, as it did to the thousands of first responders whom she assisted in the course of her career.
READ ALSO: Colin Jost Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Kerry J. Kelly was a woman of great courage, a leader, and a caregiver; she broke barriers with so many to be the first female physician in this male-dominated field, continuing on with unending efforts towards improving the health and safety of New York City’s first responders. The effort put forth by her on 9/11, as chief medical officer of the FDNY, and also more recently advocating for first responders have been met with much respect and admiration from people around the world.
Today, Dr. Kelly is known not only as a medical officer but also as a beautiful mother and an inspiration for others. In fact, her story simply follows the power of dedication and compassion, and her contributions continue to make much difference in the lives of many.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com
