Maurice Lucas Foundation names Kenny Burkey its new academy manager

Kenny Burkey, Academy Manager

PORTLAND, Ore. — The nonprofit Maurice Lucas Foundation has hired Kenny Burkey as academy manager. He previously served as media arts teaching specialist at the City Parks Foundation in New York City for two years where he worked with up to 60 junior high school students daily.

In his new role, the Portland resident will oversee the organization’s teachers, mentors, tutors and coaches who provide after-school education, sports programs, outings and sports camps to under-served Portland area middle school students though its Maurice Lucas Foundation Academies.

The foundation has a long-standing relationship with Irvington Middle School where participating students’ attendance and grades have improved dramatically.

“I am thankful and honored for the opportunity to take on this role. There are many children in the Portland metro area who need positive role models in their lives, and we can be just that,” said Burkey. “We are building up the next generation of leaders through academics and sports. I am excited to get to work with this amazing team, and believe there are big things to come for the academy and the Foundation.”

Burkey has 10 years of experience in adolescent outreach, ministry and education with at-risk youth. His career includes service as a field communications fellow in Rwanda for Hope International for a year where he supported the organization’s fundraising efforts through strategic storytelling and marketing.

Burkey also worked as a junior high youth pastor and as a children’s program director at a church in Placerville, California.

Burkey graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications.