Veteran educator and corporate leader joins national nonprofit bringing paid internships and career pathways to Music City high schoolers
Nashville, TN, APR. 22, 2026 — Genesys Works, a national nonprofit that creates pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities, announced today the appointment of Dr. Darren Kennedy as Executive Director of its Nashville program. The first class of students will participate in technical and professional skills training this summer, and will then be placed in paid, yearlong internships at local employers during their senior year.
“I accepted this role because I believe exposure creates opportunity,” said Kennedy. “Too many talented high school seniors never get the chance to see themselves in professional environments simply because they have not been given access. This work is about changing that reality. Nashville is a city with a thriving corporate community and a growing economy, and it is important that our students can connect directly with those opportunities.”
Kennedy brings more than two decades of experience across education and corporate leadership. As a Central Office Administrator of Instruction in Tennessee, he has coached principals and teachers on leadership and instructional best practices, working closely with secondary schools to elevate performance and strengthen learning environments for students and faculty.
Prior, he worked in management consulting for the public sector and served as Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships across the U.S at an education technology firm.
“Darren’s combination of classroom and corporate experience is exactly what we need to build the employer relationships and student support systems that define Genesys Works’ unique model,” said Byron V. Garrett, CEO of Genesys Works. “He understands what students need to succeed and what employers need to grow. We are excited to have him leading Genesys Works Nashville as we continue to scale our proven approach to advancing economic mobility.”
Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Howard University, a Master of Education in Supervision and Administration, and a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee State University.
Genesys Works’ Nashville expansion reflects growing demand from employers and communities seeking proven pathways into the workforce. The organization currently operates in nine cities and has served more than 14,000 students since its founding in Houston, Texas in 2002.
To learn more about Genesys Works or to become a corporate partner, visit https://genesysworks.org
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About Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Our program consists of 8weeks of technical and professional skills training, paid year-long corporate internships, college and career coaching, and long-term alumni support to move individuals out of economic inequality and into professional careers. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works now serves thousands of students annually in Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Tulsa, and Washington’s National Capital Region. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
Media Contact
Mona Tolbert
mtolbert@genesysworks.org
832.409.8006
