Brian Carlton Byrd (elected in 2024) is the Founder, President & CEO of New Breed w. New Breed w helps companies maximize the performance of each of its employees through an exclusive, action-oriented platform that easily and systematically recognizes employees with customized rewards. What makes New Breed w different is that it provides a systematic way to monitor activity, measure ROI and ensure success. The company’s formalized process provides a way to track spending, gain insights from the data and augment human capital management strategies. This proven program helps employees feel respected, increase their engagement and achieve value and long-term success for their clients. “Build respect. Improve productivity. Drive profitability.” The three key objectives of New Breed w point to exceptional values Brian brings to the RU board. Prior to founding the company, Brian was an Investment Banker at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. in New York City. In the arts, Mr. Byrd serves on the Advisory Board of the Richard Taittinger Gallery on the lower east side in New York City. Brian has an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Morehouse College.