Jesse S. Lyons

Jesse S. Lyons (Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’98) serves as the Assistant Executive Director for Advancement and Editor of The Kappa Alpha Journal.

Jesse is responsible for the Order’s comprehensive communications and marketing efforts. He leads public relations activities, including brand management, publication creation, and digital media, along with the national website, for both internal and external audiences. He serves as primary spokesperson for the Order, unless circumstances demand the Executive Director, managing all media relations. He oversees the Loyal Order, the Order’s licensing program, and official online store, KappaAlphaStore.com. He is the Editor of The Kappa Alpha Journal, and a joint supervisor of the Director of Alumni Engagement.

Jesse helps direct the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation’s (KAOEF) communications efforts, to include much of the same duties as with the Order.

The purpose of this role is to continue to foster connections between the Order and its constituents by enhancing our image and reputation, building external trust and appreciation, and instilling member pride and ownership—inspiring support in various forms.

Additionally, Jesse assists with the archivist and archives operations and the management of information technology. He leads the management of the building and grounds of the National Administrative Office at Mulberry Hill, an 8-acre property owned by the KAOEF consisting of three structures, related features, an early 1800s manor house, and a conservation easement owned by the Commonwealth’s Department of Historic Resources.

Jesse previously served as the Director of Communications beginning January 2011 until July 2014. Joining staff in June, 2002, Jesse first served as an Educational & Leadership Consultant. In fall 2003, he became a Chapter Development Consultant, and in January 2004, he was promoted to Director of Chapter Development. In this role he led the creation and recolonization of 23 Active Chapters, and assisted in starting seven more provisional chapters.

Jesse joined the Board of Directors of the Fraternity Communications Association in 2012. After terms as the Director of Networking and Vice President of Operations, he served from 2013 to 2015 as the Association President. He received the Marilyn Simpson Ford Distinguished Service Award in 2018. In 2020, he returned the FCA Board for one term and in 2022, became the FCA Centennial Chair to celebrate the Association’s 100 years. Under Jesse’s leadership, FCA achieved record attendance; created a digital archive and history timeline with History IT; launched a refreshed brand; and established of a “Centennial Fund” with the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, with initial contributions totaling more than $224,000 from individuals and organizations. In 2023, he received the Associations’ highest honor, the Evin C. Varner Fraternal Communications Award of Distinction.

Jesse and his wife Tracy live in Lexington, Virginia, with their two children, Annalee and Ford.