West Virginia (July 2026) — As The EdVenture Group celebrates 25 years of innovation and impact in education, the organization is announcing a leadership transition that positions it for continued growth and service.
Effective July 1, 2026, Founder and President Dr. Lydotta Taylor has transitioned to the role of President Emeritus and Board Member, while Kayla Benson, former Director of Impact and Director of the West Virginia Family Engagement Center (WVFEC), has been named President of The EdVenture Group.
The organization also recognizes a transition within its Board of Directors. Marilyn McClure-Demers has been elected Chair of the Board, succeeding Patrick A. Templeton, who served as Board Chair for 25 years. The current Board of Directors includes Marilyn McClure-Demers (Chair), Mindy Walls, Ken Gray, Nick Oxley, Yemi O. Akinkugbe, and Dr. Lydotta Taylor. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and leadership that will guide the organization’s future.
The EdVenture Group also extends its sincere appreciation to all former board members. Patrick A. Templeton, Mark Nessleroad, Bill Hutchens, the late Gary Stoops, and Dick Johnston for their years of dedicated service and commitment to the organization’s mission
Dr. Taylor founded The EdVenture Group in 2001 after beginning her career as a high school mathematics and computer science teacher. Under her leadership, the organization has implemented more than 10,000 workshops, positively impacted over 40,000 students, educators, families, and community members, and she has managed more than $35 million in federal, state, and private funding since leaving the classroom. During her tenure, The EdVenture Group grew into a nationally recognized leader in school culture, family engagement, entrepreneurship education, technology integration, and youth programming.
Dr. Taylor earned her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from West Virginia University and was recently recognized as the 2026 Milan Puskar Entrepreneur of the Year. As President Emeritus, she will continue serving as a member of The EdVenture Group Board while expanding her work through L-evation, her consulting and coaching business.
"Celebrating our 25th anniversary and this leadership transition is a tremendous honor. What began as an idea a quarter-century ago has grown into a trusted education organization that serves communities across West Virginia and beyond. Every partnership, program, and initiative has been driven by our commitment to empowering lives and building brighter futures.
While I look forward to continuing my service on the Board of Directors, I am excited to welcome Kayla Benson into her new role. Ms. Benson brings exceptional experience, vision, and an unwavering passion for our mission. She leads an extraordinary team dedicated to equipping students, educators, and families with the knowledge, skills, and hope they need to thrive.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to every staff person and board member who has served throughout our history, and especially Patrick A. Templeton for his 25 years as Chairman of the Board. Patrick's leadership, wisdom, and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in our growth and success."
Benson began her career in child advocacy and served as Executive Director of CASA For Kids of Monongalia and Preston Counties before bringing that experience to K-12 education at The EdVenture Group. During her tenure, she has led the West Virginia Family Engagement Center (WVFEC), the development and growth of the organization’s Prevention Portfolio, and the Leaders Investing in Family Engagement (L.I.F.E.) initiative, among other programs.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from West Virginia University and completed an Executive Leadership Certificate through Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
“It is an incredible privilege to build upon the strong foundation Dr. Taylor created over the past 25 years. Her vision, courage, and unwavering belief in people and possibility have created opportunities for thousands, and that legacy continues to inspire the work ahead. As we look to the future, our mission remains unchanged: empowering students, educators, families, and communities through innovative solutions and meaningful partnerships. I am honored to lead The EdVenture Group alongside our incredible team as we continue building on our impact across West Virginia and beyond, grounded in the same belief that has defined The EdVenture Group since its founding: a belief in people, relationships, and possibility.”
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Lydotta Taylor for her visionary leadership and extraordinary contributions over the past 25 years. Her passion, innovation, and dedication have established The EdVenture Group as a respected leader in education, and we are delighted she will continue serving the organization as President Emeritus and a member of our Board. We are equally excited to welcome Kayla Benson as President. Kayla's leadership experience, deep understanding of our mission, and proven success make her the right leader at the right time. The Board has every confidence that under her leadership, The EdVenture Group will continue to grow, innovate, and positively impact the lives of those we serve."
About The EdVenture Group: The EdVenture Group is a national nonprofit organization having worked across more than 15 states committed to creating customized solutions to educational challenges through strategic consulting, tailored professional development, and innovative programming that reimagines what education can be. Since 2001, the organization has partnered with schools, communities, government agencies, and nonprofits to empower learners of all ages and build stronger futures. Learn more at www.theedventuregroup.org
Media Contact: Kayla Benson | Phone: 304-296-9021 ext. 19 | Email: kbenson@edvgroup.org
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