The National Council of Phi Kappa Tau has appointed Todd Marallen as the Fraternity’s 11th Chief Executive Officer.
Todd is an experienced CEO with an extensive career in business, nonprofit, and community executive leadership. A Cincinnati native with deep ties to the region, he will be based full-time at the Fraternity's Executive Offices in Oxford, Ohio, where he will lead the national staff and work closely with undergraduate members, alumni volunteers, and elected leaders to advance Phi Kappa Tau's mission and strategic priorities. His first day at the Executive Offices is Monday, November 16, 2026.
Since 2015, Todd has served as Chief Executive Officer of Damascus Re-Entry, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that advances economic opportunity through educational programming and workforce development for individuals returning home from incarceration. Under Todd’s leadership, Damascus placed over 7,000 returning citizens into full-time employment in regional and Fortune 500 companies. As CEO, he supervised a staff of over 35 employees across multiple states, managed a multi-million-dollar budget, and created new values-based programs and revenue streams.
National President Michael Lummus, Belmont ’06, said: “Todd built a mission-driven nonprofit from the ground up, helping thousands of people build careers and improve their lives with education, mentorship, and creative programming. He is well-positioned to lead our staff, manage our resources responsibly, and introduce fresh, entrepreneurial thinking to help Phi Kappa Tau chapters develop young men into men of distinction. Throughout this process, the National Council focused on identifying a leader with the experience, judgment, and character to strengthen our organization and deliver on the vision of our brotherhood. We're confident Todd is that leader.”
Todd’s appointment concludes a three-month executive search led by the National Council with the support of The Maneva Group. Todd was selected among a highly qualified pool of candidates following multiple rounds of interviews, professional reference checks, and an extensive evaluation of his leadership and organizational experience. You can read more about the search at this link.
Prior to Damascus, Marallen was President of Novastar Group, a Cincinnati-based consulting firm advising nonprofits and businesses on strategy, governance, fundraising, and public-sector engagement. This followed a career in technology, public affairs, and economic development, including in a leadership role for CincyTech, supporting public-private investments in early-stage technology companies.
Todd is a civic leader in the Cincinnati area. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, and chaired the Cincinnati Arts Allocation Committee, which helped direct public funding to artists.
His commitment to civic leadership and public service also extends to public office. Todd was an elected City Councilmember in the city of Mason, Ohio. On the City Council, he chaired the Economic Development Committee and led the financial recovery of a city-owned community center.
Todd is a graduate of Thomas More University in Kentucky, where he studied business and computer information systems. He also holds a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. While not a fraternity member himself, he has seen the positive influence Greek life can have on young men, as his two oldest sons are fraternity members. Todd and Christine have ten children between them and live in Loveland, Ohio.
"Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand the extraordinary things people can accomplish when they are connected by a shared purpose and a commitment to one another. That's what makes fraternity so powerful. Brotherhood is about more than friendship; it's about developing character, encouraging leadership, and building relationships that inspire each of us to become the best version of ourselves. I'm genuinely excited to immerse myself in the Phi Kappa Tau community, learn from its members and alumni, and work together to create an even stronger experience for the generations of brothers who follow." - Todd Marallen
Todd’s appointment comes as Phi Kappa Tau celebrates its 120th anniversary and continues implementing its strategic plan, focused on strengthening the chapter and undergraduate experience, expanding learning and leadership opportunities, and deepening alumni engagement.
Brother Allyn Shaw, Michigan State ’85, has served as interim CEO since August. He will continue to support Phi Kappa Tau in this transition through early 2027.
“Allyn once again answered the call of service to the Fraternity, leading the Executive Offices through this important period of transition,” said National Vice President, Mark Scher. “The entire National Council thanks him for his steady leadership and mentorship of the Executive Offices staff.”
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Meet newly-appointed CEO Todd Marallen
The National Council will host two virtual town halls open to all members. Mark your calendars to introduce yourself and meet Todd:
Thursday, December 10 at 9:00 p.m. eastern
Monday, December 14 at 6:00 p.m. eastern
Submit the form below to receive more information about the Virtual Town Halls: