Kelly McGinnis was born in Buckhannon, WV and raised in Barberton, Ohio. She went on to attend Stark Technical College.  She has worked in numerous capacities across industries including education, insurance, travel, banking, and the medical field. McGinnis also spent eight years as a legal assistant. In 2008, McGinnis relocated to Rock Hill with her husband of nearly 40 years, Keith. She initially joined the university’s Health Services team before moving over to Athletics in 2011. McGinnis's son and daughter-in-law are both Winthrop alumni. Her son currently serves as the Director of Strategic Communications for the Atlantic Coast Conference in Charlotte.