Kenny Irby is Poynter’s senior faculty for visual journalism & diversity programs. He is an integral figure in visual journalism education, having founded Poynter’s photojournalism program in 1995. He leads seminars and consults in areas of photojournalism, leadership, ethics and diversity.

During his 15-year tenure at Poynter, Kenny has traveled to Nigeria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Jamaica, Singapore, South Africa and Russia, preaching excellence in photojournalism. He chaired the 2007 Pulitzer Prize photography categories, lectured at the World Press Photos buddy training program and the International Center of Photography, is a member of the Eddie Adams Workshop board, and is a founding member of National Press Photographers Association, The Best of Photojournalism (BOP) Committee.

He is the recipient of numerous awards: 2007 Sprague Award (the NPPA’s highest honor), 2006 Society for News Design President’s 2002 NPPA President’s Award, 1999 Joseph Costa Award and others. Kenny is a frequent lecturer, teacher and author on photographic reporting issues, most recently with NPR.