Ken O’Malley — a 4th Degree Knight, grew up Catholic in New Orleans, where his Boy Scout troop held meetings in the local Knights of Columbus hall. Beyond that, he had little idea what the Knights truly represented.
After earning his degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University, Ken moved to Greenville, South Carolina. There, he and his wife, Chery, raised two sons while he built a successful engineering company.
As his children started families of their own, Ken began to sense God calling him toward a deeper purpose — one that reached beyond professional success. A friend from church invited him to become a Knight of Columbus, and Ken said yes.
“Being a living example in everyday situations can inspire other men to see themselves getting more involved,” Ken explained.
For five years, Ken has been a Knight of the Monsignor Andrew K. Gwynn Council 1668 in Greenville. He has helped repair homes for the disadvantaged, and he delivers Christmas food baskets to community members in need.
“Seeing the faith they have that carries them through difficult times has shown me the power of having faith at the center of one’s life,” he said.
In 2022, Ken ran for Deputy Grand Knight, and within weeks, he was “battlefield promoted” to Grand Knight. In his second year in that post, and with the prayerful support of his new brothers, he led the council to achieve Double Star status.
Today, Ken serves as the council’s financial secretary and assists with various parish ministries and local charities. He helps lead the Rosary before Masses, prays at the local abortion clinic, and helps those in need in the parishes of St. Anthony of Padua and Our Lady of the Rosary — all because one friend extended a simple invitation to become a Knight.
