Frank K. Bynum, Jr. has championed Prep for Prep's mission for more than 25 years, serving as a member on its Board of Trustees and as Vice President. He is deeply committed to ensuring that talented young people have the access, preparation, and community they need to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Frank's belief in the transformative power of education is reflected not only in his service to Prep for Prep, but in his longstanding commitment to the University of Virginia. Since earning his bachelor's degree in history, Frank has given back to the institution that helped shape him, serving as a Trustee of the College of Arts & Sciences Foundation, a member of its Executive Committee, and Chairman of its Emeritus Trustees. His dedication to both Prep for Prep and UVA reflects a lifelong conviction that access to excellent education, at every level, is one of the most powerful investments one can make.

Professionally, Frank is a Senior Advisory Partner at Kelso & Company, L.P. (Kelso), a leading private equity firm he joined in 1987. A long-term supporter of Prep for Prep, Kelso is committed to long-term partnerships built on shared values like those embodied by Prep for Prep. Frank brings those same principles and a purposeful investment of time and energy to his board service. He is deeply grateful for how the Prep for Prep Community has enriched his life and made him a better person.

Frank and his wife, Nancy, are proud parents of three children who attended independent schools alongside Prep for Prep students—an experience that deepened their family's personal connection to the organization's mission. Prep for Prep celebrates Frank's longstanding belief that when talented young people are given access, community, and support, their success strengthens not only their own futures, but all of ours. 

Kelso is a North American-focused middle-market private equity firm founded on the principles of partnership and alignment of interest championed by Louis Kelso, the inventor of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Kelso’s history drives a deep commitment to aligning the interests between the firm’s partners, management teams, strategic partners, and limited partners. Since 1980, Kelso has invested more than $14 billion in capital across 11 primary funds and has completed more than 140 platform investments.

 

For more than 30 years, the ties between Prep for Prep and Kelso have run deep, reflecting the firm’s commitment to long-term partnership and shared values. Five Kelso executives currently serve on the Board of Directors and Associates Council (with a sixth having served previously), underscoring the depth of that engagement. Kelso strongly believes in Prep for Prep’s mission and the meaningful impact it has on the local community. Kelso has seen firsthand the transformative power of its work in changing the lives of students and their families. The company is proud to support talented young leaders in gaining access to the opportunities they deserve.

About the Lilac Ball
Since 1986, the Lilac Ball has served as Prep for Prep’s signature annual event to celebrate the achievements of its graduating high school class. The event also pays tribute to an honoree who has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and leadership development. All funds raised through the Lilac Ball go directly to Prep programming; event-related expenses are underwritten by the Board. The extraordinary generosity of our donors enables Prep for Prep to continue to foster our nation’s next generation of leaders.