05/18/2026
We are thrilled to welcome Kenneth S. Frierson to the team as our new Director of Ground Building 🎉 In this role, he supports grant partners to influence education policy and systems change by amplifying community power.
Kenneth is a thought-leader and administrator with over 15 years of professional experience in education and philanthropy. His areas of expertise include fostering a sense of belonging for students in transition, youth leadership, access and equity programs, community and civic engagement, and grantmaking. Kenneth is a proud HBCU alum (Lane College) and Eastern Michigan University graduate. He completed work beyond his master’s degree at the University of Southern California, earning a leadership certificate from its Center for Enrollment Research, Policy and Practice. Kenneth has extensive experience in program design, people development, and strategic planning.
Kenneth has worked across all sectors of education, from K-12 teacher to successful administrator at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, creating pathways for underrepresented youth to access education. Prior to joining The Skillman Foundation, he was a program officer at the Ruth Mott Foundation in Flint, where he was a leader in the foundation’s race, equity, diversity, and inclusion work, as well as its civic engagement initiatives. Kenneth has consistently centered equity and championed community voice in his work.
Kenneth remains involved in the Genesee County community through faith-based organizations, service, and athletics. He chairs Flint & Genesee’s Young Professional Board and serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Civic Education Fund and the Detroit-based education organization Boldly Moving Education Ahead (BMEA). In addition to these roles, Kenneth loves the advocation of sports officiating. He is a registered sports official with the Michigan High School Athletic Association and officiates college basketball games in the region. In 2024, Kenneth was honored with a 40 Under 40 Distinction in Genesee County, and in early 2026, he was named Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year at his alma mater, highlighting his work as a community champion. Kenneth spends much time praying, reflecting, and imagining/reimagining the endless possibilities of life. He encourages others to live life with/on purpose!
