Our Team

Dr. John Kilburn Jr.

Founder and CEO

john@kilburnpartners.com

Dr. John Kilburn Jr. is an accomplished university administrator, researcher, and professor with more than 30 years of experience developing and managing programs for higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. As a former Chief Research Officer and academic leader, he has overseen large-scale educational and community initiatives while securing and administering millions of dollars in external grant funding from federal, state, and private agencies. His expertise includes program development, strategic planning, grant writing, research administration, and organizational leadership. Dr. Kilburn has successfully directed multidisciplinary projects that strengthen educational access, public health, workforce development, and nonprofit capacity across diverse communities.

Dr. Kenneth Tobin

Senior Partner & Consultant

ktobin@kilburnpartners.com

Dr. Kenneth J. Tobin is the Senior Partner and Consultant for Kilburn and Partners Consulting. With extensive experience implementing higher education initiatives, he recently retired as an Associate Dean from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Also serving as the Executive Director for STEM Initiatives in the TAMIU Office of Research and Sponsored Projects between 2021 and 2024, his proposal development efforts contributed to $12.6 million of funding (44% success rate). As the TAMIU Center for Earth and Environmental Studies director (2001 to 2026), he managed 25 awards totaling $10.6 million. Agencies he has experience with include: NSF; NASA; NOAA; USDA; the US Departments of Education, Energy, and Defense; and the State of Texas.

Associates

At Kilburn & Partners, our strength lies in our people. We have assembled a network of experienced associates from higher education, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit institutions. Their diverse backgrounds and specialized expertise allow us to match the right professional to the unique needs of each project. Whether your organization requires grant development, program evaluation, strategic planning, research, data analysis, community engagement, or project management, our associates bring real-world experience and proven results. This breadth of knowledge ensures that every client receives tailored support, practical solutions, and the highest level of professional service.

Interns

We are committed to developing the next generation of researchers, program managers, and grant writers. Our internship opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development in applied research, program evaluation, grant development, and nonprofit consulting. Individuals interested in exploring internship opportunities are encouraged to contact John Kilburn at john@kilburnpartners.com.

With decades of experience, Kilburn and Partners provides high impact grant development, implementation, and evaluation services. Strategic services focus on agency and government relations, higher education, and non-profit organizations.

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