Kenneth Frederick is a native of Rochester who is a retired Exxon Mobil engineer with 32 years of experience in oil and natural gas research, exploration, and production. His last position was Senior Reserves Consultant, an executive-level technical position. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Purdue University and a master of science and PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois. Ken divides his time between Rochester and Houston, Texas. He is active in non-profit organizations in both cities.

In Rochester, he is a trustee of the George Eastman Museum where he serves on the Executive committee, chairs the Photography, Conservation, and George Eastman Legacy committees, and is a member of seven additional committees.

In Houston, Ken is a board director of FotoFest, an organization dedicated to advancing photography through exhibitions, public programs, and publications. He is also a participant in several Museum of Fine Arts, Houston patron groups, which purchase artwork for the museum. In addition, Ken has donated his own photographic work to decorate public areas in several Houston affordable-housing facilities designed and built by the non-profit New Hope Housing.