Kevin O'Donnell

Kevin O'Donnell (June 9, 1925 – February 29, 2012) was the fourth director of Peace Corps, serving from July 1, 1971 to September 30, 1972.

Early life O'Donnell was born and grew up in Cleveland and was educated at St. Rose's Grammar School and West High School. O'Donnell spent two semesters at Kenyon college before joining the US Navy Supply Corps during World War II. O'Donnell earned an MBA at Harvard University then worked for SIFCO, Atlas Alloys, and Booz, Allen & Hamilton.

Peace Corps Country Director for Korea In January, 1966, O'Donnell saw a newspaper story about a local man serving as a Peace Corps administrator in Guatemala. Conservative Louisiana Democrat Otto Passman wanted to kill the Peace Corps. "It was a pivotal time. Had Congressman Passman's efforts succeeded, the Peace Corps would have had to recall thousands of volunteers, breaking contracts and commitments with communities and countries around the world," said O'Donnell.

Businessman In 1972, O'Donnell returned to Cleveland as CEO of SIFCO, a metal working firm, where he'd worked before the Peace Corps.

Personal life O'Donnell's first wife died in childbirth. "She helped to make you feel good about yourself and that no problem could not be solved by simply doing what you do and being yourself," added Maura.

O'Donnell was the father of science fiction writer Kevin O'Donnell, Jr, who died on November 7, 2012.