Tyson Voelkel is a visionary leader whose life embodies a spirit of service, excellence, and transformative impact. As president and CEO of the Texas A&M Foundation, he successfully led the largest higher education capital campaign in Texas history — the $4 billion Lead by Example campaign for Texas A&M University. During his nine years as CEO, the Foundation has provided over $1.5 billion in cash and assets to the university, added more than $1.5 billion to its endowment and increased assets under management by over $2 billion.

Before his tenure at the Foundation, Voelkel led a Houston-based consultancy focused on building, managing and advising ultra-high-net-worth family offices. He also served as COO for a multibillion-dollar holding company comprising more than a dozen operating companies and philanthropic endeavors.

A native of Brenham, Texas, Voelkel holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial distribution from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in international affairs and national security from the Bush School of Government and Public Service, and an MBA from Rice University.

Voelkel proudly served as a US Army infantry officer, undertaking distinguished leadership roles during peacetime and combat. His military service spanned Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Twice serving as a company commander in combat with the 82nd Airborne Division, he earned two Bronze Stars in Iraq, the Department of the Army MacArthur Leadership Award, and the Army Ranger and Airborne Qualification Badges. His military career also afforded him the honor of teaching leadership and ethics at the US Military Academy at West Point. He continues his service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve.

Deeply committed to national security and education, Voelkel is a board member of Spirit of America, Atlantic Council, America’s Frontier Fund, Texas A&M Board of Visitors, Galveston A&M Board of Visitors, and the Bush School of Government and Public Service Advisory Board. In 2024, the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston named him a Global Leader of Influence in its Jesse H. Jones Awards.