About the Award
The James J. Byrne Award for Responsible Leadership was established to honor Mr. Byrne's decades of leadership on the Lennox International (NYSE) Board of Directors and his significant contributions to the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. The award includes an unrestricted gift in the amount of $4,000 and a commemorative plaque.
To be considered for the award, students must engage in community service and demonstrate meaningful contributions to their organization and society at large.
2026 Winner: Ryan Blakney
As a member of a family with multi-generational ties to Western Pennsylvania, Ryan Blakney cares deeply about the long-term vitality of the region. He takes great pride in acting as a catalyst for positive change and remains focused on leaving organizations better than he found them.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Ryan earned an undergraduate degree in Supply Chain and Information Systems Management from the Smeal College of Business at The Pennsylvania State University in 2021. During his time at Penn State, he became involved with Penn State Alternative Breaks, a student organization that facilitates service trips that take place during breaks in the academic calendar. Through this group, Ryan learned about rural and Appalachian poverty while rebuilding homes in Wyoming County, West Virginia and also led a trip supporting adults with disabilities in Eastern Pennsylvania. He ultimately became a Site Leader and a member of their Executive Board, experiences that helped develop his commitment to active citizenship and community service.
After graduating, Ryan moved to Pittsburgh to join Highmark Health’s Leadership Acceleration Program. He continues his career with Highmark Health today, currently working within Allegheny Health Network’s Supply Chain Operations department. His contributions have been pivotal in navigating complex operational challenges, including the development of a critical emergency forecasting model during the nationwide IV solution shortage following Hurricane Helene. This initiative successfully maintained supply levels and prevented the cancellation of elective surgeries. In addition, Ryan has led forecasting efforts on tariff impacts and has assisted in initiatives that increase volume through their organization’s in-house distribution center.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Ryan remains active in his community through his participation at Franklin Park Baptist Church and has volunteered with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and at the St. Jude Annual Gala. Currently pursuing an M.B.A., Ryan is dedicated to developing into a leader within the Western Pennsylvania region.
2025 Winner: Kaceme Djellouli
Kaceme Djellouli's leadership philosophy centers on service, responsibility, and sustainable impact. He believes that effective leadership involves adapting to challenges and taking on difficult tasks to create meaningful change. His work is driven by a strong belief in the power of education and community support to transform lives.
Kaceme grew up on the east end of Pittsburgh. Inspired by the Spiritan mission to serve students, he has dedicated his career to serving under-resourced communities. After serving in the US military from 2006 to 2011, where he earned the Humanitarian Service Medal for his work in Haiti as part of America's Global Response Force, Kaceme transitioned back to civilian life. He earned his degree in business administration with a concentration in supply chain management from Duquesne University in 2018 and his Certification in Planning and Inventory Management in 2019.
During the 2020-2021 COVID pandemic, Kaceme led efforts to provide essential resources to communities in need, helping learners navigate the challenges of remote education by placing technology in the hands of students with no access to learning tools and delivering hope through the 'Boxes of Joy' initiative. He and his team distributed over $17 million in vital resources to the communities most vulnerable to the pandemic's impact during this period.
In 2022, Kaceme completed the Community Leadership Course for Veterans, which increased his understanding of how he can serve his community on a deeper level. This experience inspired him to join two boards of directors: one as treasurer of the working board with YNPN and the other as the Vice President of the board for Sojourner House.
Kaceme is currently studying for an M.B.A., which will provide him with the tools to enhance the infrastructure he has helped build to support teachers and students in under-resourced communities. He is the Director of Operations at The Education Partnership, where he oversees the distribution of school supplies to under-resourced schools across Southwestern PA.
Previous Winners
2024—Carinne Houston
2023—Pete Mrvos
2022—Janetta Bekman
2021—Zachary T. Susko
2020—Meghan Ryan
2019—Eliana R. Latterman
2018—Corey Seymour
2017—Robert Thomas Luke, Jr.
2016—Stephen Erskine
2015—Tyler C. Montabon
2014—Amber (Sobieralski) Benedict
2012—Danell R. Cooper
2011—Amanda M. (Morel) Sopata