The Blue Ribbon Project was founded by Tom "Taylor" Pyles. Taylor entered a career of broadcast radio after graduating high school. In 2003, Taylor joined the Annapolis Police Department in communications capacity. He later was hired as a sworn officer within the department. In 2010, Taylor moved from the Patrol Division to take a position within the Criminal Investigations Division. Taylor primarily investigates violent crimes and any crimes against children. He is also a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate with Anne Arundel County, working as an advocate in the court system for children in foster care.
As a child, Taylor was placed into foster care after being removed from his home due to physical abuse. When Taylor entered care, it was during the school day and the only items in his possession were the clothing he was wearing and his school books. Taylor remained in foster care until aging out of care at the age of 18. This experience would help him later in life.
Based on his experience as an adult survivor of abuse, his observations as a CASA and a Police Detective, Taylor formed The Blue Ribbon Project. The project was initially started as a resource for adult survivors of abuse. The Blue Ribbon Project has grown to offering several programs to children in foster care, adult survivors of child abuse and neglect, and education programs to the general public in recognizing abuse and neglect. Taylor is married and he and his wife, Amanda, reside in the Annapolis area. Taylor's hobbies include motorcycles and his aquariums. Hobbies aside, much of Taylor's spare time is working on The Blue Ribbon Project and working with foster youth within Anne Arundel County.