David Dykes leads the Dykes Foundation as CEO, a position he was asked to take on after the death of his father, D. L. Dykes, Jr. in 1997. Before that David had served on the Board of Directors until he stepped down in 1996 to produce video programming for the foundation. As CEO he developed the concept of FAITHANDREASON®, a brand now recognized as promoting critical thought about Christian theology and scholarship-based awareness of its historical development. The television programs in the original FAITHANDREASON® series were broadcast nationally to tens of thousands of people and they continue to be used today in adult education classrooms around the world.
David earned his BA in Philosophy from Centenary College in 1966 and a master’s of divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1974. He taught religion and philosophy at Centenary College from 1974-1980, and has extensive experience in counseling in parish and university settings. Since 1988 he has collaborated with his partner and wife, Debo Dykes, on a variety of educational video productions including the LERN-LA network. David’s background in theological study as well as television and video production provide a natural fit for the educational activities of the foundation.
As CEO David oversees the legal areas of a 501c3 operating foundation, and serves with a passion doing development work, video production, and research. He develops programming concepts for seminars and videos, networks with seminar partners and works with private donors. In addition, he works to produce the new DVD and Audio CD programs used for individual and small group study. His current scholarship interests include the interface between religion and science, the origins of Christianity and other major religions, religion and ethics, and issues of justice such as gender issues and economic and political justice.
When asked what keeps him inspired to work for the foundation, David says:
“We live in an age where we get to look at the way people live around the world like we never have before, and it makes you want to focus energy on education that enlightens people and makes them think about alternative solutions to problems that we all face.“
Staff & Consultants
- David Dykes, CEO, D.L. Dykes Jr. Foundation
- The Rev. Deborah Dykes, Director of Media and Curricula
- Laurel Isbister, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
- Jennifer Vail, Administrative Assistant
- Darren Schwindaman, Graphic & Web Design / Brand Consulting
- Melia Dicker, Writing & Social Media Marketing
- Thabi Moyo, New Media