Byron V. Garrett

Byron V. Garrett is a business executive, government official, and humanitarian whose career spans education advocacy, corporate leadership, and public service. Garrett serves as chairman of the National Family Engagement Alliance, a nonprofit focused on transforming education through family engagement. In this role, he provides resources and support to individuals, families, and organizations, with an emphasis on early education, literacy, and college and career readiness. Garrett also serves as chief executive officer of the National Job Corps Association, overseeing workforce development and community engagement initiatives that support at-risk youth.

Garrett's experience in education policy includes work as a policy advisor for faith and community initiatives for then-Governor Janet Napolitano and as an education commissioner for the City of Phoenix. He is a former K-8 charter school principal and has held leadership roles in the technology sector, including director of educational leadership and policy for Microsoft and consulting author for Scholastic. Garrett previously served as chief executive officer at National PTA, where he facilitated parental participation in schools.

As an author, Garrett has contributed to education and social-emotional learning through works such as "The ABC's of Life," "There's Greatness on the Inside," and "Motivated for Greatness." Scholastic published a school-oriented edition of "The ABC's of Life" and launched the Byron V. Garrett Social Emotional Learning Collection, inspired by his work, to equip young people with skills for navigating society.

Garrett has appeared on the TODAY show, MSNBC, Fox, and the Dr. Phil Show, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and JET Magazine. He has been recognized by Ebony in its Power 150 list and by The Root 100. Black Enterprise named him "Mr. Enterprise" on its Modern Man 100 list. Garrett has delivered presentations across the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.

In addition to his work in education and advocacy, Garrett is an entrepreneur, serving as visionary and chief creative officer of The Valdecio Collection, a lifestyle luxury brand offering clothing, watches, fragrances, and eyewear. He is an advisory board member for High Point University and the CeCe Peniston Youth Foundation. Garrett draws on decades of experience at the intersection of education, policy, and entrepreneurship to inform his work with corporate audiences, educators, and young people.