Kelcey Liverpool is the Founder and Executive Director of Kids Rank, a nonprofit organization established in 2012 to support the social and emotional well-being of military and veteran children. As a proud Army spouse who has moved with her family nine times, Kelcey brings firsthand experience and deep empathy to her work. Her volunteer service across various military installations reinforced the importance of focusing on the whole child—acknowledging both their strengths and the unique challenges they face. Under Kelcey’s leadership over the past 13 years, Kids Rank has become a trusted resource within Illinois’ military and veteran communities, with strategic plans underway for expansion. She has built strong partnerships with organizations such as the National Veterans Art Museum, USO of Illinois, the American Red Cross, and the Military Child Education Coalition to further the Kids Rank mission. Kelcey is a 2019 Aspen Fellow, a Summit Fellow, and most recently, a 2023 Presidential Leadership Scholar. She continues to lead with purpose and passion as a mother of two military-connected children, currently residing in Chicago, Illinois.

Shawn Michael Pridgen is an award-winning documentary photographer, creative consultant, and communications professional who joined Kids Rank in 2024. His journey to Kids Rank began at a photography exhibition, where he connected with Founder Kelcey Liverpool over shared military family roots—Shawn is the proud son of a U.S. Marine. Shawn brings a rich background in visual storytelling and public service. His photography has appeared in Harper’s, The Guardian, Outside Magazine, and The Washington Post, and his work was featured in the #ICPConcerned: Global Images for Crisis exhibition in New York. He was awarded the Archive of Documentary Arts Collection Award by Duke University in 2021 for his powerful coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement. As the founder of a mission-driven photography L3C, Shawn amplifies underserved communities through visual media, advocating for racial equity and representation. Prior to his creative career, Shawn spent over 15 years in legal administration, working with institutions such as the U.S. Department of Justice, the IRS, CNN, and Target Corporation. Shawn holds a B.A. in Political Science & International Relations from DePaul University and completed graduate coursework toward an MPA at DePaul’s School of Public Service. Outside of work, he’s a marathon runner, mentor, and dedicated volunteer with a legendary sweet tooth—just ask him about his gummy bear collection.

Megan Kerby is the Program Lead at Kids Rank, where she helps lead programs that support the social-emotional development of military-connected youth. A proud military spouse and mother of two daughters, Megan brings nearly two decades of experience working with children, including her work as a Special Education teacher with a focus on behavior management. Her teaching journey began in 2015 when she and her husband relocated to Japan. Since then, she has worked in school districts both abroad and stateside, including District 187, where she first discovered Kids Rank. Inspired by the organization’s mission, she quickly became a valued member of the team, supporting its efforts to uplift and empower military families. Outside of work, Megan enjoys playing volleyball and singing—two passions that reflect her energy, creativity, and commitment to community.