ARCS Colorado Chapter is forever indebted to Caroline Shreve and Sherrye Berger for introducing Jo Byyny to ARCS. During her 21 years as a chapter member Jo has been an invaluable source of positive energy, creativity, reason and high good humor.  Her presence literally “lights” up a room.  Within a year of joining, Jo was appointed to the Chapter Board of Directors and has served enthusiastically in many chapter positions since that time. ARCS has been greatly enriched by her life-long commitment to education and community service. Jo has served as Colorado Chapter VP of University Relations since 2004. In this position she coordinates chapter activities at six Colorado campuses.
  
Jo has opened campus doors and created Chapter opportunities that would have been impossible without her knowledge, drive and sincere love of students.  Her chapter involvement includes fundraising galas, silent auctions, Scholar luncheons, and campus “Meet & Greets”.  Jo and her husband, Richard, have embraced ARCS scholars as family members for more than a decade by providing full ARCS Scholarships for Colorado University students. 
  
Jo was born in Ohio and grew up in Long Beach, California, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. From the University of Southern California she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Elementary Education Teaching Credentials, and took Master’s courses in Education.  She taught at Baldwin Hills Elementary School from 1960-1965 and was recognized as a University of Southern California Master Teacher.

Jo’s passion for community service led to her involvement in Junior League, Red Cross, Planned Parenthood, Lincoln Park Zoo, Acorn Hill Therapeutic Riding Center (Naperville, Il.), Cherry Hills Elementary School and the Denver Zoo. She served as District Commissioner for the Platte Valley Pony Club and served on the Board of Directors of Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center.

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast and equestrian, Jo has competed in Hunter Jumper events for 30 years.  She started and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bynfort Industries, Distributor of Equestrian Products and served on the Board of Directors of Turmoil Farms, LLC.

Jo has lived in Colorado for 43 years and has been married to Richard for 58 years. Together they raised three wonderful children, all of whom also have the education gene.  She is dedicated to ARCS, to the Chapter and to the wonderful student recipients who will become the next generation of scientists, teachers, and innovators.