Tides Family Services has named Patrick J. Kinney, a longtime business executive and nonprofit leader, Chair of its Board of Directors.
Kinney brings nearly four and a half decades of executive leadership and governance experience, along with a personal commitment to creating opportunities for young people. Having overcome challenges in his own youth similar to those faced by many of the young people Tides serves, Kinney has made giving back and helping others access opportunity a priority throughout his life.
"Patrick brings tremendous leadership and governance experience, but what makes him especially well suited for Tides is his personal connection to our mission," said Beth A. Bixby, CEO of Tides Family Services. "He understands that a young person's circumstances do not have to determine their future. He knows the difference that opportunity, support and people who believe in you can make, and he wants to give that back to the next generation."
A Philadelphia native, Kinney built a 38-year career with Travelers, beginning with the company in 1983 and ultimately serving as Executive Vice President. In senior leadership roles, he was responsible for enterprise distribution and field management and served on Travelers' Management and Operating Committees.
After retiring from Travelers, Kinney joined Keystone as President and later CEO, helping lead the company to become the #17 largest property and casualty broker in the United States, according to Insurance Journal. Keystone was subsequently sold for more than $2 billion, and Kinney now serves as a member of the company's Board of Directors. He also serves as CEO of the Keystone Foundation, furthering his commitment to philanthropy and community impact.
Kinney has maintained a longstanding commitment to nonprofit and civic service, serving organizations focused on youth, education, health care and families, including Hartford Youth Scholars, The Village for Families & Children and Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
Kinney and his wife, Patricia, have made educational opportunity and addressing basic needs a particular priority. Through Penn State's Smeal College of Business, they established the Patrick and Patricia Kinney Scholarship, with preference for students from Philadelphia and surrounding communities, and have supported the university's Lion's Pantry and Student Emergency Fund. Kinney was also recently appointed to the Board of Penn State's Risk Management Department within the Smeal College of Business, continuing his engagement with the university and its students.
"I am honored to serve as Chair of the Tides Family Services Board," Kinney said. "I know personally that where a young person starts does not have to define where they end up. Having people who believe in you, provide support and create opportunities can change the course of a life. That is what I see in the work Tides does every day, and it is a mission that means a great deal to me."
Kinney assumes the role as Tides continues to expand community-based behavioral health, education, prevention and family support services across Rhode Island. The organization focuses on reaching children, young people and families earlier and helping them remain safe, stable and connected to their homes, schools and communities.
"Tides is at an important point in its growth," Bixby said. "Our responsibility is to grow thoughtfully and in response to what children, families and communities actually need. Patrick brings the strategic perspective, governance experience and commitment to mission that will help guide us in that work."
Kinney earned a bachelor's degree in Business Logistics from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 2022, Penn State's Smeal College of Business recognized him with its Distinguished Achievement Award for professional leadership and community service.
