KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 22, 2024

The Kennesaw State University Foundation recently named Theodore “Teddy” L. Parrish, founder of Parrish Capital, as its new chair. His two-year term began on July 1. 

Parrish has been a member of the Kennesaw State University Foundation’s Board of Trustees since 2010, most recently serving as vice chair. During his tenure, he has served on several committees and chaired the Investment Committee, where his efforts helped double the Foundation’s endowment in three years. In 2021, he received the Chairman’s Award for his efforts. Parrish is a member of the KSU Athletics Campaign subcommittee and is also a member of the Kennesaw State University Athletic Association Board. 

“Teddy brings a wealth of experience, deep-rooted dedication, and a profound understanding of our university's mission,” said Lance Burchett, vice president for Advancement and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “His continued commitment will be invaluable as we advance our goals and foster greater opportunities for our students and community. I look forward to partnering with him as we work to build a brighter future for KSU.”

Prior to Parrish Capital, Parrish served as principal and director of investments at Henssler Financial and co-portfolio manager of the Henssler Equity Fund. He graduated from Kennesaw State in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and earned the coveted Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2004. While at KSU, he served as captain of the men's basketball team and has remained a dedicated supporter of KSU athletics.

“I am honored and humbled having benefited from the foundation’s work as a KSU student-athlete to now working with so many great people on the board and throughout the university to help foster student success and experience,” Parrish said. “While we are in exciting and challenging times, I feel the University’s best days are ahead.”

The Foundation has also appointed six new trustees:

• Carmen Chubb ‘20, principal and president of Columbia Residential
• Randy Koporc, executive vice president/regional president of Fifth Third Bank
• Heather Robertson Fortner ‘99, chief executive officer and chair of the board of SignatureFD
• Lee Rhyant, president and CEO of LER Solutions, LLC
• Tracy Styf, executive director of Town Center Community Improvement District
• Mark Wilson, chief impact officer of VXI Global Solutions, LLC

The Kennesaw State University Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation focused on furthering the interests of Kennesaw State University. Its mission is to serve as an advocate for the University, and to receive, invest, account for, and allocate private gifts and contributions in support of Kennesaw State University.

– Story by Darius Goodman

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.