Phi Delta Theta Mourns the Loss of Todd Nisbet, General Council Member-at-Large
With heavy hearts, Phi Delta Theta is sad to share that General Council Member-at-Large, Todd M. Nisbet, Southern California ’87, passed away peacefully in his Columbia, Tennessee, home on June 18, 2025.
Todd was known for his unwavering determination, keen and creative business sense, fun-loving spirit, and sharp sense of humor. He was a loving husband to his wife Anita, and father to his cherished children, Virginia, Harry, and Emma.
Todd fought his personal battle against ALS for three years, but he had served in the fight to find a cure and support those living with the disease for many years before his own diagnosis—through the Live Like Lou Foundation, the Iron Phi Foundation, and the Fraternity’s partnership with Permobil. It was his fervent prayer that a cure would be found, if not in his lifetime, within his children’s lifetime.
A Fraternity for Life
A committed Phi Delta Theta volunteer and leader, Todd Nisbet served in many positions with the Fraternity over the years. From 2012 to 2021, he served as Province President, earning recognition as the 2018 Oliver J. Samuel Outstanding Province President of the Biennium. In 2021, he was elected to the General Council at the General Convention in Pittsburgh—an honor he considered his greatest privilege.
Todd was a legacy and, like his father, was initiated into the California Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Southern California on January 14, 1985. As an undergraduate, he was an influential leader, holding several executive officer positions.
After graduating in 1987, Todd moved to New York City to begin his advertising career. His professional journey later took him to AT&T and Prudential, all while he earned a master’s degree from Seton Hall University and began a family with his wife, Anita.
In 2000, Todd joined The Walt Disney Company, where he moved back to Southern California to help lead the global video game and digital entertainment business. After years of success at Disney, Todd, Anita, and their three children relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2008 to be closer to family. Once in Nashville, Todd reconnected with Phi Delta Theta alumni, leveraging the network to help launch his consulting career. Through these connections, Todd was introduced to North Highland Consulting, where he thrived as a client executive, specializing in growth and profitability across diverse industries.
Todd was a natural mentor who guided many in finding their sense of purpose, always ready to lend an encouraging word or make a career connection. During his time on the General Council, he worked hard to improve the Fraternity’s alumni engagement efforts. In 2017, Todd started a monthly gathering that would become the framework for the First Thursdays with the Phis initiative.
In 2022, Todd started noticing unusual symptoms and, after a series of medical tests, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). While the diagnosis was hard to accept, he remained active in networking with Phis and offering support whenever possible.
A Family Legacy
Phi Delta Theta is a cherished family tradition. Michael (father), who has since entered the Chapter Grand, was also a Phi from California Delta. Scott (older brother) is a Phi from Colorado Beta at Colorado College. Harry (son) is a Phi from Tennessee Gamma at the University of Tennessee –Knoxville, and Nicholas (nephew) joined the Colorado Gamma at Colorado State University this past academic year.
Inspired by his life as an engaged member, volunteer, General Officer, and General Council member, the Foundation worked with Todd to create The Nisbet Family Legacy Fund for Networking to celebrate his legacy of connection, personal growth, and opportunity within Phi Delta Theta.
This fund honors Todd Nisbet’s life and decades of dedication to our Fraternity, while creating a lasting legacy of professional success that reflects the enduring values of Phi Delta Theta, as well as the contributions of three generations of Nisbet Phis. From his initial move to Nashville, where he connected with local Phis, to his successful consulting career, Todd’s story highlights the transformative impact of these networks.
By creating this fund, we aim to provide valuable resources that encourage career exploration, mentorship, and further build upon our Campaign 2030 efforts. These resources will help young Phis navigate their professional paths and lives beyond college, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. All funds go to empower Phi Delta Theta members to harness the strength of our brotherhood, turning their career aspirations into accomplishments.
Honoring Todd at the 85th General Convention
The shocking news of Todd’s passing came just one day prior to the 85th General Convention in Atlanta, Georgia—an event Todd and his family were planning to attend.
Despite their absence, Todd’s spirit was truly with us as we celebrated our brotherhood in Atlanta. During his time on the General Council, Todd worked to strengthen the connections that unite Phis across generations. With hundreds of brothers gathered for our largest alumni engagement event of the biennium, this convention was a beautiful reminder of the bonds that meant so much to him and the Fraternity.
The General Convention observed a moment of silence in Todd’s honor during the opening session. Over the course of the week, several remarks were made to recognize his contributions to the Fraternity.
Brothers in attendance were given a black ribbon to place under their badge, symbolizing the Fraternity’s Badge of Mourning. In addition, Todd’s General Council seat on the convention floor was draped with a black robe and his General Council badge, along with white carnations and ribbons of his Fraternity accomplishments, in recognition of his service to the Fraternity.
Todd’s legacy of kindness, perseverance, and loyalty will live on in his children and the lives he touched. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.
A celebration of life service and reception for Todd will be held on Sunday, June 29 at 2 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee.
