Beyond Expectations Published Sept. 15, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Shane Hughes 180th Fighter Wing TOLEDO, Ohio -- While many Airmen volunteer their time to different charities and causes, Tyran "Ty" Boyd has a passion for serving the community above and beyond expectations. He is one of the founding members and a former chair of the United Way Emerging Leaders program in Toledo, a program aiming to engage the next generation of professionals in the community through meaningful service opportunities, leadership development and exclusive networking opportunities. Boyd was one of six founding members who created the Emerging Leaders program and played a key role in taking the Emerging Leaders program from a start-up to a functioning organization with a clear focus and vision, and the potential to last far into the future. As the program evolved, the team focused on creating an organization that would be sustainable and beneficial to the community. Kirsta Tull, the volunteer staff liaison for Emerging Leaders, said Boyd embraced his leadership role as the chair of Emerging Leaders and was essential to establishing the strategic vision for the group. "He's always very passionate and knows exactly what he wants for the organization," Tull said. "He's helped us stay mission-focused and philanthropically focused because that's what sets us apart from other organizations that are only focused on the networking aspect." "I wanted to bridge the gap between executives and young professionals within the community," Boyd said. The development stage for the program took two years before it was ready to be launched, but within 48 hours of launching, the program expanded to over 100 people and currently has over 160 members. Erica Parish, the chair of the Community Impact Council, said his role as a founding member was critical. "The program has grown by leaps and bounds under his leadership," Parish said. "If it wasn't for Ty, we wouldn't have the number of active members we've been getting or the exposure we've had," Tull said. "His role was essential to building the program." The unexpected interest and rapid expansion in membership propelled the organization to new heights. "We've grown tremendously as a group," Boyd said. "We were dynamic when we first came together, but then you add 154 other people and you begin to tap into an unbelievable magnitude of potential." In addition to his work with the Emerging Leaders program, Boyd is a member of the Community Impact Council where he helps oversee how funds and resources are allocated to the various Community Support Teams that implement programs to improve the income, health and education in the local community. His leadership has allowed both these programs to excel. "He's unique," Parish said. "Ty challenges us to be better and push ourselves further. His impact is vital." "He's really prodding us to think about the long-term success of the organization," Tull said. While the Emerging Leaders program and the Community Impact Council take up most of his spare time, Boyd still manages to find the to serve on the African-American Leadership Council, which supports literacy and mentorship programs for underprivileged kids in local schools. He is also an active member of Engaging People Inspiring Change (EPIC), an initiative of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce which strives to attract and retain diverse young talent and to develop future business and community leaders. If that wasn't enough, he also volunteers with the local Boys and Girls Club, where he helps with fundraising and mentors at-risk children, and the local YMCA where he coaches youth sports. Last year, Boyd was awarded the prestigious "20 under 40" award for his unwavering commitment to public service and outstanding leadership in the community. "I want to give back to the community that gives so much to me," Boyd said. "The success of my company, the success of the military, the success of everything we have is driven by the community."