Board of Directors

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Tyrone Byrd, the father of Anthony L. Byrd, established the Anthony L. Byrd Higher Educational Fund in 1994 shortly after Anthony passed away. He was instrumental in running and overseeing the fund from 1994 to 2023 prior to retiring.

Tyrone was a highly respected business owner with over 50 years of successful experience in his field. Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, he built a reputation for excellence and innovation, creating a thriving business that has positively impacted the local economy. In addition, Tyrone's success extended beyond his professional achievements as he was deeply committed to giving back to the community that always supported him throughout the years.

Recognizing the importance of education as a cornerstone for personal and community development, Tyrone made it a priority to support educational efforts. His philanthropic initiatives focused on providing resources and opportunities for students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. He believed that access to quality education could empower individuals and transform lives, creating pathways to success that can benefit entire communities.

Tyrone's contributions included funding scholarships, sponsoring educational programs, and collaborating with local schools and organizations to enhance learning experiences. He often shared his own experiences and insights with students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential. Through his efforts, Tyrone aimed to inspire the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the tools they needed to succeed academically and professionally.

In summary, Tyrone Byrd stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of community engagement. His dedication to supporting the scholarship fund initiative reflected his belief in the transformative power of knowledge and the responsibility of successful individuals by uplifting those around him.

Preston Byrd, Anthony's brother, assisted their father in establishing the Anthony L. Byrd Higher Educational Fund in 1994. Preston currently serves as the Boards Chairman and is responsible for fundamentally transforming the scholarship fund through a philosophy of being a servant leader with a data-driven approach. He is positioning the organization to become a true partner to sponsors, helping them elevate their work by bringing in expertise, technology, and administration. Under his leadership, the scholarship fund has shifted its focus to prioritize students that have a desire of pursuing studies in the areas of medicine, life sciences and STEM while streamlining operations to provide the best possible support to partners. He is also a member of the Funds selection committee.

In Preston's current professional role, he is the Managing Partner of Horizon Companies, where his primary focus is identifying and executing new real estate development opportunities throughout the Southeast Region of the US. Originally operating as an independent developer, Preston later expanded the company's platform to include private equity investors who shared his core values, goals, and long‑term vision, allowing the firm to scale while maintaining disciplined strategic alignment.

Preston's business acumen as the Managing Partner of Horizon Companies provides him with a unique set of experiences related to fund management, securing capital and operations. Preston's work with Fortune 500 companies, community foundations, individuals, and philanthropists, brings a deeply personal mission: removing financial barriers so that every student can achieve their dream of a post-secondary education.

As Managing Partner, Preston chairs Horizon’s Investment Committee and has successfully assembled a highly capable development team. He works closely with the asset management group to optimize performance at the investment level and is responsible for setting the firm’s overall development direction. His leadership emphasizes thoughtful growth, operational efficiency, and disciplined risk management.

Preston has been an active real estate developer and investor for more than 20 years, with deep expertise in multifamily housing real estate. Over the course of his career, he has developed and executed revenue enhancement strategies across more than $1 billion in multifamily housing assets. His specialties include real estate development, complex financial structuring, and the strategic management of risk.

Prior to forming Horizon Companies, Preston successfully built and sold several multi‑million‑dollar companies spanning industries from healthcare to information technology, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial foundation and versatility across business sectors.

Preston attended Middle Tennessee State University, with a concentration in architecture and civil engineering. He also serves on the Selection Committee for the scholarship fund with a desire to select future leaders that will chart the next course for our society. Preston is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Albert K. Taylor was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He has served as a board member with the fund since its inception. Albert currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors and is responsible for ensuring that the overall goals and objectives of the fund are properly implemented. Albert has served the Memphis Community for more than 26 years as an educator, administrator, mentor, sports coach, and community organizer. He has also served as an assistant coordinator of the St. Jude Walk-A-Thon and as the Public Relations Director for the Prison Ministry on behalf of the Apostolic Deliverance Temple. 

Albert has done volunteer work with the Cancer Answer Week, the Stone Soul Picnic, and as a liaison between the city and church for a City-Wide Baptism event that was spearheaded by his pastor and general overseer Apostle Perry Maples. Many of the community events that he volunteered for were done with his late wife, Tametre Taylor, to include Vacation Bible School, St. Jude Walk-A-Thon, Hallelujah Night, and Back-to-School Giveaways for children in the Memphis Community. 

Educational leadership and service has been the hallmark of Albert’s career. His commitment to education and assisting students with reaching for and obtaining their educational goals is evident in his ongoing work with the Anthony L. Byrd Higher Educational Fund. Albert's contributions have significantly impacted the Memphis community, reflecting his dedication to fostering education and mentorship. He is also a member of the Funds selection committee.

Donette Byrd is a dedicated education professional and community leader with experience spanning classroom instruction, media coordination, and nonprofit governance. She is highly motivated, goal‑oriented, and recognized for her strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as her ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively in team‑driven environments.

Donette's currently works in the role of an educator supporting the Collierville School Systems. In this role, she directs student learning experiences across curricular and extracurricular settings, provides guidance that supports students’ educational development and well‑being, supervises students on school grounds, and consistently enforces district policies and procedures.

She is known for maintaining positive relationships with administrators and colleagues, reflecting her professionalism and commitment to excellence in education. Donette has also served as a Board Member for STAR Academy Charter School, an elementary charter school K-6, located in Memphis, Tennessee.

Earlier in her career, Donette worked with Gaylord Entertainment in Nashville, Tennessee, as a Continuity Coordinator within the company's media department. In this capacity, she managed and coordinated programming for commercials and special events, served as a liaison between sales, programming, and production teams, and supported media buys and creative coordination. Her work also included developing press releases, writing public service announcements, and producing both local and national news stories. Additionally, she provided support to the accounting department on special billings exceeding $250,000 monthly, demonstrating strong organizational and multitasking skills.

Donette holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Middle Tennessee State University, with minors in English and Psychology, and has completed graduate‑level coursework toward a Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Phoenix. She is proficient in multitasking, conflict resolution, and relationship‑building.

In addition to her professional career, Donette proudly serves as a Board Member of the Anthony L. Byrd Scholarship Fund, where she is committed to advancing educational opportunities and supporting students in achieving their academic goals. Donette is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her service reflects her passion for education, community involvement, and making a meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of children. 

Dimyka Roberts is a distinguished human resources executive, lifelong learner, and servant‑leader whose professional, academic, and community commitments reflect a deep belief in education as a vehicle for empowerment and legacy. With more than twenty years of leadership experience in human capital strategy, organizational development, and employee relations, she has served Fortune‑level and global organizations across industries including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, and technology.

Dimyka holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial‑Organizational Psychology from the University of Memphis and a executive Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Lake Forest. Her career is distinguished by a rare integration of analytical rigor, emotional intelligence, and people‑centered leadership—qualities that have consistently enabled her to elevate teams, strengthen organizational cultures, and guide individuals toward professional and personal growth. Her commitment to learning has been a defining throughline, recognized by educators, peers, and public servants alike.

A devoted lifelong learner, Dimyka continues to advance her academic pursuits. She is currently preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Memphis and has been selected for the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program at the University of West Bohemia’s International Summer Language School in Plzeň, Czech Republic (July–August 2026). Her selection into this international program reflects both her scholarly readiness and her commitment to global engagement, cultural competence, and educational equity. She views language as a gateway to opportunity and believes that access to learning transcends borders, disciplines, and generations.

Dimyka’s leadership is also deeply shaped by faith and service. As a member of Bethel Church in Redding, California, she embraces a values‑driven approach centered on integrity, stewardship, and purpose. These principles guide her work as a mentor, community advocate, and mother of three accomplished adult children—an achievement that underscores her belief in education, discipline, and example‑based leadership.

Dimyka brings strategic insight, governance awareness, and a scholar’s appreciation for the transformative and enduring power of education. She is deeply aligned with the Anthony L. Byrd Scholarship Fund’s mission to honor legacy by investing in academic access and student success. Her professional expertise, academic dedication, and service‑oriented mindset position her to contribute meaningfully to the stewardship of resources, the support of scholars, and the preservation of impact across generations.

Driven by the conviction that learning is lifelong and legacy is built through service, Dimyka is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Anthony L. Byrd Scholarship Fund to assist in expanding opportunities and shaping our future leaders. Dimyka is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Kristy Sullivan is a native Memphian with a sincere passion for children and a heart for service. She often boasts that she’s a real home-town girl, “born, raised, bred, and educated in Memphis.” She is a graduate of the former Memphis City School System and Christian Brothers University.

Kristy’s professional experience spans a range of sectors but has always been centered in her desire to help transform the “Memphis experience” and improve the overall quality of life. As a part of the   founding staff for the Memphis Grizzlies, Kristy began her career in Media Relations and supported a successful Rookie of the Year Campaign during the team’s inaugural year. Having a desire for a change of pace and to begin graduate studies, Kristy transitioned to work for her alma mater – Christian Brothers University in the Office of Recruitment. Later she led several successful awareness and fundraising campaigns for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The American Heart Association.

Always one for a new challenge, Kristy took a leap and began working with TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project) in 2010 as they oversaw a massive overhaul of Memphis’ teacher recruitment and staffing practices. Looking for a career change ultimately led to finding a calling that matched her love for the city and drive to be an advocate for children and families. Kristy is now working to support districts and communities across the country and ensure that families, students and community members   are valued partners in the education system.

Raising a family and committing to becoming lifelong Memphians are choices that Kristy and her husband Alonzo have made. They are the proud parents of two daughters - Zoe and Nia - and are committed to improving the educational and economic landscape for not only their children but all the children of our community.

Kristy is an active and devoted member of her church and can be found singing in the choir most Sunday mornings. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., serves on the Executive Committee for the NAACP Memphis Branch, Parent Teacher Organization Boards for local schools, and is on the board of Think Before You ACT (TBYA).