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James W. Keyes

James W. Keyes

Author | Global Business Leader | Philanthropist | Artist | Musician | Commercial Pilot | Renaissance Man — field_542d8190101fc

James W. Keyes is a global business leader, best-selling author, philanthropist, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries from retail, consumer products, technology, healthcare, cyber security, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies. Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives have an equally broad focus, including serving a three-term seat on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, acting as the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, Cooper Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross. He has had a lifelong commitment to education, serving as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education Is Freedom Foundation. He is the author of Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands which provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of education for all mankind, the power of education to change our world, and the wisdom to unlock our personal freedom while reserving our democracy. Keyes is a personification of the American Dream, as he comes from humble beginnings. He was inducted in 2005 as a Member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024 he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award, presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership.

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Book cover education is freedom

Education Is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands

Humanity must indeed go back to school. Education Is Freedom provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of educa...

Featured on: Monday, July 15, 2024

Viewpoints

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1780970146 6a2772a202059
June 9, 2026
Kerby Anderson

High and Low

If you look at the American economy, you see a high and a low. The stock market is at a record high, while consumer sentiment is at the lowest ever measured.

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Book cover faith affirming findings
June 8, 2026
Kerby Anderson

Faith-Affirming Findings

Biblical archaeology seems to be going through a “golden age of apologetics.” One illustration is the fact that over the last two months I have had the privilege of interviewing three authors on their...

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June 5, 2026
Kerby Anderson

Historical Ignorance

Years ago, a doctor wrote an article entitled, “What’s Keeping David McCullough from Sleeping?” This noted historian and award-winning author had trouble sleeping because he was worrying about what wa...

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Support the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act
April 15, 2026

Support the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act

The abortion pill harms women and kills unborn children. Congress must act.

Support the SAVE Act
April 2, 2026

Support the SAVE Act

SAVE Election Integrity with Voter ID.

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025
January 12, 2026

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025

Pro-lifers have been abused under the FACE Act for long enough.

Contact Congress About the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025
October 15, 2025

Contact Congress About the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025

Congress needs to get the job done, not run away from work.