Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Announces Kevin Byrne as Member of the Board of Trustees

October 20, 2025
default

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation announces the appointment of Kevin Byrne to its Board of Trustees. Byrne brings more than two decades of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to the board.

Byrne currently serves as CEO of the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and the Elisabeth C. DeLuca Foundation, where he leads strategic grantmaking and innovative investments to support children, students, and families from underserved backgrounds. His career has been dedicated to expanding opportunity for those with limited access to resources, with a focus on building transformative programs and tackling complex social challenges.

Byrne earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in strategy from University College Cork, Ireland, where he studied as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. His previous leadership roles include positions with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the Horatio Alger Association, and the Center for International Security and Strategic Studies.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Byrne has served on nonprofit boards, including the National Scholarship Providers Association, St. Louise House, and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, as well as several advisory boards and volunteer initiatives. He and his wife actively support organizations focused on foster care, adoption, and the Xeroderma Pigmentosum Family Support Group, a cause close to their family. The Byrnes have also established the Kevin and Rosa Byrne Family Scholarship, which provides financial support to high-achieving students—especially those who have experienced foster care.

“We are excited to welcome Kevin Byrne to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Kevin’s expertise in philanthropy and his commitment to creating opportunities for students align perfectly with our mission. His commitment to students will help deepen our impact on the lives of PTK members.”

“I am honored to join the PTK Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Byrne. “Education changes lives, and PTK plays a critical role in opening doors for students.”

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first national honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. Recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges as the official honor society for two-year colleges, PTK is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Related Articles

Phi Theta Kappa Elects Mary Graham to International Board of Directors

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mary Graham, President of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, to its International Board of Directors. A nationally respected leader in community college education, Dr. Graham brings extensive executive experience, institutional perspective, and a deep commitment to student success to Phi Theta…

Turn Your Idea Into Impact

Apply for the Community College Innovation Challenge Do you have a STEM-based idea with the potential to make an impact? Through the Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC), students gain the tools, coaching, and experience to turn ideas into action and step into the role of innovators and entrepreneurs. Led by American Association of Community Colleges…

Sebastian Terry Inspires Students to Chase Bold Dreams 

From personal loss to global inspiration, motivational speaker and bestselling author Sebastian Terry is joining the PTK Catalyst 2026 speaker lineup as a keynote speaker.  Sebastian’s life changed in his mid-twenties after he lost a close friend, a moment that led him to ask a simple question: “Am I happy?” The answer was no.  Determined to live…