Byron V. Garrett is an award-winning nonprofit executive, author, speaker, entrepreneur, executive producer and member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, whose career has been dedicated to expanding opportunity and improving outcomes for young people and communities across America.

He serves as CEO of Genesys Works, one of the nation's leading workforce development organizations, helping high school students prepare for successful careers through skills training, professional experience, and employer partnerships.

In 2026, Byron was named to the inaugural TIME Visionaries List, recognizing leaders driving meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people through education, economic opportunity, health, technology, and community advancement.

A five-time nonprofit CEO, Byron has led some of the nation's most respected mission-driven organizations, including the National PTA and the National Job Corps Association. He previously served as Chief Revenue Officer of United Way Worldwide, where he helped advance one of the world's largest charitable networks and strengthen partnerships across the corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors.

Prior to his national leadership roles, Byron served as a K–8 school principal, education advisor, and Education Commissioner for the City of Phoenix. He also served as Co-Convener of the Helping America's Youth Initiative, a national effort focused on improving outcomes for young people through cross-sector collaboration and community engagement.

Throughout his career, Byron has championed a simple but powerful philosophy: "It's Better to Build Children Than to Repair Men and Women." That belief has guided more than two decades of leadership focused on educational attainment, workforce readiness, youth development, economic mobility, and social impact.

Beyond his executive leadership, Byron is an award-winning executive producer. He conceived and executive produced the United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief, a nationally recognized effort that raised more than $11 million to support communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. His work in media and storytelling has amplified important causes while inspiring audiences to engage in philanthropy and civic action.

Byron is also the founder of Happy Frenzy, a lifestyle brand centered on positivity, purpose, and self-expression. He is the author of nine books, with his forthcoming tenth book, Happy Frenzy, exploring leadership, resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of purpose in a rapidly changing world.

A highly sought-after speaker and thought leader, Byron regularly addresses audiences on leadership, workforce innovation, philanthropy, youth opportunity, nonprofit governance, and social impact.

Through his leadership, writing, media work, and advocacy, he continues to build bridges between education, business, philanthropy, and community leaders to create lasting pathways to opportunity for future generations.