WFSDALLAS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Architect of DISD
- Child Poverty Action Lab President and CEO
- President & CEO of the Child Poverty Action Lab
Alan Cohen is the President & CEO of the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL). He is a seasoned executive leader with demonstrated experience supporting low-income children by applying business strategies and entrepreneurial spirit to complex problems faced by government, private, and non-profit organizations.
Best known for his work at the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), Cohen is the architect of DISD's nationally recognized early childhood education strategy. Other career highlights include his role as the President & CEO of Washington State's public-private partnership for early learning, and his time as a key member of the startup team that launched Commit Partnership. He has been recognized as one of Dallas' "40 Under 40" by the Dallas Business Journal.
Cohen earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Tulane University.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the Dallas Regional Chamber
- Regional
Angela Farley is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the Dallas Regional Chamber, one of the largest and most established business membership organizations in the nation, representing more than 1,100 companies and more than 500,000 employees. Ms. Farley leads the financial and operational efforts across the DRC's strategic pillars of economic development, talent attraction, education and workforce, as well as the pro-growth public policy agenda that supports these areas. Before being named as CFO and COO in January 2018, for five years Ms. Farley was the DRC's Senior Vice President of Education and Workforce, where she led the DRC's efforts to grow and develop the region's existing talent and workforce. In this role, she was responsible for connecting business members with education programs, legislative efforts, and partnerships to support regional educational improvements and workforce readiness from Pre-K through Higher Education. Before joining the DRC in 2012, Ms. Farley was the CFO of Command and Control Environments in Grapevine, Texas. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Certified Management Accountant and consulted for several national firms, including Haynes and Boone LLP, serving clients in highly regulated industries with a specialty focus on government contracts and accounting investigations. Ms. Farley was chosen by Governor Abbott in 2018 to represent the state of Texas at The White House Summit on State-Federal STEM Education, led by The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She also serves on a number of boards and councils, including as Governor Abbott's appointee to the Pathways to Technology Advisory Council, the Dallas County Workforce Board, The EducateDallas PAC Board, the Texas Student Success Council, and the Junior League of Dallas' Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Executive Women's Roundtable. Ms. Farley and her husband, Travis, live in Dallas and have two grown children.
Ashlee Verner, Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for overseeing accounting functions for all funds received and expended by the agency in addition to analyzing financial information for preparation of Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas' annual tax return, the Independent Auditor's Reports in Accordance with the Uniform Grant Guidance, and the Audited Financial Statements as required by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Prior to her role as Chief Financial Officer, Ashlee served as the Accounting Manager for the agency. Ashlee managed similar accounting functions in the airline industry. Additionally, Ashlee practiced public accounting, auditing hospitals, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations including Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.
Ashlee earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Accountancy Degrees from Baylor University.
Barbara Stein, Office Manager, is responsible for keeping the office running smoothly. Her job can range widely in duties and responsibilities. Ms. Stein has 27 years in the Dallas Workforce System.
Bessie Gray serves as Vice President and Ethics Director at Texas Instruments (TI). She began her career at TI in 1986 and has held leadership roles in various Human Resources positions across the company. She's known as a trusted confidant, adviser and partner for the more than 30,000 employees at the Dallas-based semiconductor company. Bessie has a bachelor's degree in business management, and is also an executive coach. She serves in HR and the marriage ministry at her church. Bessie is married with 2 daughters and lives in Murphy.
Bill O'Dwyer has thirty-two years in the mechanical contracting field. His capabilities to plan, administrate, and coordinate business development with regard to target markets, goals, and strategies are an asset to any company. He has come through the ranks in various roles in his career: HVAC and Plumbing estimator, Project Manager, Service Manager and Marketing Director. He began his career with The EMDE Company in 1980. In 1988 he joined Mechanical Interiors Inc. (MIINC) as marketing director and moved to Vice President of Business Development where he was promoted to President in 1999. From 2001 to 2002 he was the Executive VP of Business Development for Encompass Mechanical Services. He joined Way Engineering Ltd. in 2003 as Vice President of Business Development. Bill is a 1979 graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Distribution.
Job Titles:
- Director of Real Estate for NEC Corporation of America
Carter Holston is the Director of Real Estate for NEC Corporation of America. NEC is located in Irving Texas where Carter oversees and manages their real estate operations in the US. He was recently responsible for all areas of the NEC US headquarters relocation in Irving. During the relocation he was responsible for the site selection, lease negotiation, design, construction management and budgetary control of this project. He has managed the real estate of NEC for 17 years including commercial and warehousing properties totaling in excess of 1.5 million square feet located in 16 states. Prior to NEC he was employed at EDS, Trammell Crow and AccuBanc Mortgage Corporation.
Carter currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Business (txbiz.org). He is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee. The Texas Association of Business is the statewide chamber of commerce and is responsible for advocating for business in Texas. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Catch Up and Read Organization (catchupandread.org) which provides after school tutoring for DISD students focusing on improving reading skills at the grade school level. He is a member of the Irving Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce where he has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee and Chairman -Technology Leadership Council. He has provided Economic Development consultation to the City Manager and CFO of the City of Irving. He also served on the Irving ISD Superintendent's Business advisory council. He oversees the Community Relations for NEC foundation which supports Irma Rangel Young Leadership School, Irving Family Advocacy Center, Dallas Heart Association, Herbert Marcus Elementary, Irving Cares and Habitat for Humanity.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Tenet Healthcare Corporation
Cathy Fraser, Senior Vice President of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, provides operational oversight and strategic direction for the company's human resources organization. Fraser oversees all areas of talent management, retention, recruitment and organizational effectiveness. Fraser serves on the Company's executive management team and reports directly to Trevor Fetter, Tenet's President and Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to joining Tenet in 2006, Fraser served as a Management Consultant with McKinsey & Company, an international consulting firm. In that role, Fraser counseled Senior Executives at a number of large companies on organizational design, talent management and retention strategies, recruiting and related human resources topics.
Prior to her work with McKinsey, Fraser served as Vice President of Sabre Holdings, a major provider of travel product distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry from 1994 to 2000. At Sabre, her responsibilities included planning, strategy, finance and marketing. From 1991 to 1994, Fraser was a Manager and Analyst for AMR Corp., the parent corporation of American Airlines, in Fort Worth, Texas. From 1986 to 1991, she was an analyst for General Motors Acceptance Corp. in Detroit.
Fraser earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington in Seattle and her Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. She is a board director of Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, and the JKU Foundation (a family non-profit foundation). She resides in the Dallas area with her husband and daughter.
As Senior Vice President, Connie is responsible for planning, procurement, quality assurance, resource development, and policies for workforce programs serving the Greater Dallas community. Connie has a strong commitment to providing quality workforce services to employers and job seekers with the goal of ensuring a highly skilled workforce for the Greater Dallas Area. Connie also serves as Board Secretary with responsibilities related to the Board of Directors and the Board packet.
Connie earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Baylor University and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. She has more than twenty years of progressively responsible experience with workforce programs.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Texas Workforce Commission 's ( TWC ) Workforce Development Division
- Director, Workforce Development Division
Courtney Arbour is the Director of the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Workforce Development Division where she oversees an integrated workforce development system that provides oversight, coordination, guidance, planning, technical assistance, and implementation of employment and training activities, with a focus on meeting the needs of employers and job seekers in Texas.
In her role as Director, Courtney provides oversight and support for more than 500 million dollars in workforce programs and initiatives, which are primarily administered by 28 Local Workforce Development Boards, through 180+ American Job Centers in the state. This integrated model includes Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment, CHOICES Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training, Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance and Rapid Response programs. In addition, Courtney directs the administration of many state operated programs to include Adult Education and Literacy, Apprenticeship and Texas Veterans Leadership program as well as a number of specific statewide initiatives.
Cristina Criado | Criado and Associates
Cristina Criado is the President/CEO and founded Criado & Associates in 2001. Her experience consists of design and management of municipal projects, roadway and freeway projects, interchanges, hike and bike trails and land development projects. Her project experience includes coordination and management among all different disciplines required to complete any project from start to finish, including designs for grading, paving, water and sanitary sewer systems, storm sewer systems, horizontal and vertical geometric alignments and hydraulic analyses, cost estimating, preparation of boundary surveys, plats, and site inspection. As the founder, President and CEO, she has been involved in a number of key assignments and ensures client satisfaction and quality performance on every project.
Dan Micciche advises in business and tax planning for:
acquisitions
divestitures
specialized capital structure planning
the formation and operation of corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies.
Dan has a long record of service within the legal community in Texas. He is a former chair of the Section of Taxation of the State Bar of Texas and was elected by the Council of Chairs of the State Bar of Texas as one of six representatives on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors. He served on the Comptroller's Tax Advisory Group under three different Comptrollers.
Dan chaired the firm's School Partnership Program with James Fannin Elementary School in Dallas, winning the Texas State Board of Education's highest award for community partnerships. He currently serves on the Dallas office's Inclusion Council and on the firm's pro bono and retirement committees.
Education
J.D., University of Chicago Law School, 1981
B.A., Stony Brook University, State University of New York, with highest honors, 1978
Demetria Robinson, Executive Vice President, is responsible for the development, management and evaluation of a broad range of contracts. She ensures compliance with the terms of the contract, applicable policies, federal, state and local laws, regulations, and programmatic /fiscal requirements.
Demetria earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from LeTourneau University. She has twelve years of progressively responsible experience in workforce contract management including work with Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.
Job Titles:
- Vice President and Dallas Executive
- VP and Dallas Executive, AECOM
Dev Rastogi, P.E., Vice President and Dallas Executive, is responsible for strategy and growth of AECOM's business in North Texas. A proven leader with 36 years' experience successfully delivering solutions for complex projects in the public and private sectors, Dev has worked for clients including the City of Dallas, Dallas County, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Frito-Lay. She serves on the Executive Committee of the North Dallas Chamber and is the Public Policy Council and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force Chair. She is the incoming Chair of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the 2021 Chair for the Dallas Friday Group, a non-profit organization whose members share an interest in public affairs and business issues. Dev was recognized as Dallas Innovates' Future 50 Innovator in 2021 and the Dallas Business Journal's 2021 Women in Business Awards Honoree.
Dev was past president of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers' Dallas Chapter and was active with the Trinity Commons Foundation, North Texas Commission, Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Leadership Dallas. Her community leadership was recognized by the North Dallas Chamber as their 2020 Paul Hanson Award winner and by Texas Society of Professional Engineers as the 2013 Dallas Engineer of the Year. Dev graduated from Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and is a licensed professional engineer.
Job Titles:
- Chief Commercial Officer
- Chief Commercial Officer for Better Therapeutics
Diane Gomez-Thinnes serves as Chief Commercial Officer for Better Therapeutics where she leads the team that will bring the company's innovative prescription digital therapeutics solutions to market. Ms. Gomez-Thinnes has more than two decades of experience in the medtech, consumer care and pharmaceutical sectors with significant experience in P&L management, operations, multichannel distribution, and marketing. Diane spent 17 years in the MedTech sector at Johnson & Johnson, ascending through strategic and commercial roles. While there, she oversaw specialty areas including plastic and reconstructive surgery, biosurgery, interventional cardiology, neurovascular, and peripheral vascular, ultimately holding the title of Worldwide President, Mentor, Johnson & Johnson's breast aesthetics business and returned the company to global market leadership. Diane went on to serve as U.S. President for Galderma, an integrated dermatology company across aesthetics, consumer care and prescription medicines where she led a major transformation for the company and delivered double-digit growth. Diane has a passion for innovation and has driven the delivery of market-leading technologies that make a difference in the lives of patients. Diane holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, and a BSE, Chemical Engineering from Princeton University.
Job Titles:
- Ed.D. Chancellor Dallas College
Selected as the seventh chancellor Dallas College, Dr. Joe May assumed his duties leading the seven-campus, 165,000-student system in late February 2014. Throughout his career, May has expanded opportunities for students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree by starting at a community college. At the same time, he brings a strong commitment to improve the Dallas economy by helping to grow middle-class jobs. He is known both nationally and internationally as a result of his relentless advocacy of the role of community colleges in solving today's most challenging social issues.
As the first member of his family to attend college, the chancellor realized the profound impact that higher education had not only on his life but also on society in general. This background inspired May to help start and then become the founding president of Rebuilding America's Middle Class (RAMC), a national consortium of community colleges which is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue the "American dream."
As a community leader and educator, May strongly believes in achieving academic excellence and has worked closely with public school districts, sponsored charter schools, career academies and early college programs. May was instrumental in expanding Early College High Schools in North Texas and in bringing Pathways to Technology (P-Tech) high schools to Texas.
May previously served as president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System; president for the Colorado Community College System and president of Pueblo Community College before he accepted the system's CEO position. Respected throughout the world, May has provided consulting services to new community college initiatives in Japan, the United Kingdom, Russia and Saudi Arabia. He also served in leadership roles at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas; Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas and Vernon College in Vernon, Texas.
A native of East Texas, May earned his Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M-Commerce. He also holds Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
May has been married for over 45 years to his wife, Jeanne. They have two children and three grandchildren.
Dr. May started his higher education career in 1978 as an adjunct faculty member at Cedar Valley College in the Dallas County Community College District (now Dallas College). Those initial experiences were the foundation for his strong belief that the role of community colleges is the solution for the greatest challenges facing individuals, employers and communities.
Job Titles:
- Chancellor, Dallas College
For more than 15 years, Dr. Justin H. Lonon has provided proven executive and strategic leadership for Dallas College, guiding the institution to fulfill its mission of "transforming lives and communities through higher education." Following a unanimous vote by the Dallas College Board of Trustees in 2021, Lonon was selected to be the college's eighth chancellor in 2022.
Lonon previously served as executive vice chancellor leveraging his institutional knowledge to provide intentional leadership to the finance, governmental relations, legal, board relations, diversity, equity and inclusion, facilities, human resources, innovation and technology, marketing and communications, safety and security, emergency management, institutional effectiveness and strategic initiatives functional areas.
Lonon served as a driving force in the consolidation of the 55-year-old Dallas County Community College District - and its seven colleges - into one Dallas College. The historic move helps to meet the needs of Dallas County students, improving their access to in-demand degrees and credentials.
With a keen focus on equity and inclusion, Lonon championed the creation of the college's inaugural Office of Social Responsibility and Inclusion. The office is in response to Dallas College's longstanding commitment to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive environment that supports all students' and employees' pursuit of excellence.
Lonon's experience as a collaborative leader in higher education transcends the executive suite. He previously served as interim president of Dallas College's Brookhaven Campus, overseeing the 13,000+ students the campus welcomes each semester.
Prior to joining Dallas College in 2005, Lonon worked in the private sector providing public affairs council to local and national companies and non-profit organizations. Lonon began his career in Dallas at City Hall serving as press secretary for the Mayor's Office.
Because of his commitment to higher education and the Dallas community, Lonon serves on several national and local boards including the Austin-based United Ways of Texas, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas' Advancement Committee, the North Texas Crime Commission, the Dallas Father of the Year Awards, Rebuilding America's Middle Class (RAMC), COMBASE, a national consortium of leading community colleges, and as past chair of the Task Force on Higher Education Government Relations for the American Association of Community Colleges, among others.
Dr. Michael D. McFarland was named Superintendent of Lancaster ISD in May of 2010 and is entering his third year. He is an outstanding, energetic, dynamic leader with a proven track record of transforming educational organizations into high-performing institutions. He is an innovative leader who is currently leading the successful transformation of Lancaster ISD. Lancaster ISD is one of the largest predominately African American school districts in the state, with more than 85% African American students, and more than 87% of students receiving free or reduced lunch services. In spite of very challenging circumstances, the student performance over the last few years has consistently increased and acceleration toward the elimination of the achievement gap is ongoing.
McFarland came to Lancaster ISD from Champaign, Illinois where he served as Assistant Superintendent of Achievement for Champaign Unit 4 Public Schools. While serving in Champaign, McFarland led the development of a high school restructuring model that was adopted by the Illinois Board of Education as a model for transformation of low-performing secondary schools throughout the state.
Prior to serving in Illinois, McFarland served as principal of John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. When McFarland arrived at John Tyler, the school was low performing, academically unacceptable, and plagued with many challenges. Under McFarland's leadership, the school transformed into a high-performing high school that was recognized by the College Board with the 2006 National Inspiration Award.
McFarland is a native of Jasper, Texas and began his educational career in 1993 as an algebra teacher. He has a Bachelor Degree of Business Administration from Baylor University, his Master Degree of Education and superintendent's certi?cate from Stephen F. Austin University and his Doctorate Degree from Baylor University.
Dr. Michael Hinojosa returned to Dallas ISD when he was named by the board of trustees to serve as superintendent in October 2015. Dr. Hinojosa has served 20 years as a superintendent/CEO of six public education systems, including two of the 25 largest school systems in America, Dallas ISD in Texas and the Cobb County School District in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. His career in public education, from teacher and coach to superintendent/CEO, spans more than three decades.
With a firm belief that education and not environment is the key to a student's success, he has led several school districts to improved student achievement. Dr. Hinojosa's recognitions include being named 2002 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards and 2005 Superintendent of the Year by the University of Texas at Austin. He was honored as Distinguished Alumnus by the College of Education at Texas Tech University and as the Outstanding Latino Educator by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in 2014. He is a past president of the Texas Association of School Administrators. He has served as an educational consultant for various organizations that support public education, including as a master teacher and coach for the American Association of School Administrators and the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
Dr. Hinojosa, a proud graduate of Dallas Independent School District, holds a doctorate in education from the University of Texas at Austin. He and wife Kitty have two sons, graduates of Princeton University and Harvard University. He has a son from a previous marriage who graduated from Texas Tech University. All three attended Dallas ISD for a significant portion of their K-12 careers.
Job Titles:
- Workforce Education Manager
Dr. Sharon Dehn, Workforce Education Manager, leads programmatic oversight for our employability-focused Adult Education & Literacy program. She guides compliance for our contracted measures through a consortium of community providers.
Sharon earned her Doctorate Degree in Psychology, Health and Wellness, and has over 20 years of experience with adult-focused education and employment programs in both the public and private sectors.
Job Titles:
- Dean of the Simmons School
- Simmons Dean of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education
Stephanie Knight is the Dean of the Simmons School of Education & Human Development at Southern Methodist University. Stephanie is a nationally recognized education leader, researcher and professor. Formerly the associate dean and professor of education in the College of Education at Pennsylvania State University, Stephanie assumed the role of Dean in August of 2017.
She began her education career as a classroom teacher of Spanish and French in Texas, Saudi Arabia and Pennsylvania. She received her doctorate in Curriculum and instruction at the University of Houston before beginning a 20-year tenure at Texas A&M University, where she was professor of educational psychology and teaching, learning and culture. In addition, she held the Houston Endowment, Inc. Chair in Urban Education at Texas A&M, received the University Distinguished Teaching Award and was named a University Faculty Fellow. Stephanie joined Pennsylvania State University in 2009 as professor of educational psychology, where she taught courses in educational psychology and effective learning. In 2013 she became associate dean at Penn State, leading the College of Education's undergraduate and graduate studies programs.
Her scholarly interests demonstrate a dedication to bringing the results of evidence-based research to the K-12 classroom. Her research into relationships between instructional strategies, classroom processes, learning environments and student outcomes; teacher professional development, and the use of observational techniques to study classroom processes has been published in hundreds of professional journal articles, book chapters and books and presented at numerous professional conferences.
In addition, Stephanie has directed university and national research centers, including serving as associate director of research into practice for the National Science Foundation Information Technology in Science Center for Teaching and Learning and director of evaluation and assessment for the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement in Washington, D.C. She recently concluded five years as co-editor of the Journal of Teacher Education and also served from 2004 to 2006 as co-editor of the Teaching, Learning and Human Development section of the American Educational Research Journal. She currently serves as associate editor of the Review of Educational Research.
Currently, Elaine is the Union organizer for NOLSW/UAW Local 2320. Elaine negotiates union Collective Bargaining Agreements, processes grievances, conducts arbitration, trains union officers and members, and organizes new bargaining units. Elaine was previously employed at the US Postal Service as a clerk from 1997 - 2000. She organized, prepared and maintained records of various classes of mail, leave and FMLA usage, track productivity records and prepared graphs and presentations of records. Elaine has her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Education; she also has an Associate Degree in Spanish from Pace University.
Job Titles:
- Southwest Airlines As Vice President Diversity & Inclusion
Job Titles:
- Cofounder and Managing Partner of Tech Wildcatters
Gabriella Draney is Cofounder and Managing Partner of Tech Wildcatters. Most recently she was with HP Growth Partners, an early stage venture fund in Dallas. She co-founded an aircraft scheduling software company in 1998 that ended in a profitable exit. She went on to work for Morgan Stanley in private wealth management. True to her entrepreneurial roots, she left to follow her passion for nutrition by opening a specialty foods retail store, and simultaneously spent three years consulting with numerous Dallas-based startups on strategic planning and finance. Ms. Draney received her MBA in Strategy & Entrepreneurship from Southern Methodist University as a Cox Distinguished Merit Scholar, during which she interned for Silver Creek Ventures. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a BBA in Finance.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Manager of Community
Gilbert Gerst, Senior Vice President, Manager of Community Development Banking for BOK Financial (BOKF). BOKF is a $40 billion full service banking organization with branches serving Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. In Texas, BOK Financial operates under the brand, Bank of Texas. Gilbert is a career banker and has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years. Gilbert joined BOKF in June 2011 after 25+ years with JPMorgan Chase. He has corporate wide responsibility for the bank's community development lending and investment activities and is a key partner in the bank's CRA compliance and examination process. An accountant by trade, Gilbert has spent the majority of his banking career positively impacting low to moderate income individuals and communities.
Gilbert holds a Bachelors of Science from The University of North Texas and a Master's Degree in Commercial Real Estate from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is actively involved in the community and currently serves on multiple boards and committees including Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, Board Chairman of the Dallas Black Dance Theater, Tulsa Economic Development Corporation, The Affordable Housing Investors Council (AHIC) and the Dallas Development Fund, a NMTC Community Development Entity.
For three decades, Harry Jones has advised global, national, regional, and local employers on all areas of employment law.
He has led more than 90 board-level high-profile investigations for school districts, cities, colleges and institutions. Harry is a published author on Dallas' rivers and dams.
Harry provides day-to-day advice to human resources professionals on hiring, training, pay, discipline and termination, including complex C-suite misconduct issues.
With a national and international focus in his practice, he guides general counsel and HR departments through 50-state and complex cross-border issues, particularly in Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Holly focuses on finding the right people to help with Beck's continued growth and making sure our people are trained and ready for the challenges of tomorrow. She leads a skilled team charged with recruiting, training and caring for the people of Beck. Holly had a self-described "crazy career path" to her current role. Starting in the field as an estimator, she's been involved with nearly every aspect of delivering projects including as a project manager and superintendent. Ultimately her passion to help people learn brought her to our corporate office, where she led Beck University for many years. It's this unique background that makes her a trusted member of our leadership team. I think my time in the trenches gives me an understanding of what it takes to get the job done. I know how hard the job can be at times and I know ways that we need to adjust to help our people be more successful. Holly's a graduate of Leadership Dallas and stays active with Dallas ATD and SHRM. While her life stays very busy outside the office ferrying her daughters to a host of activities, Holly makes sure to spend time enjoying the outdoors or curled up with a good book.
J. Susie Battie (Upshaw) was born in Chicago, Illinois. She is happily married to her husband, Derrick Battie and together they are loving parents and grandparents to 6 sons, and 8 grandchildren.
Susie has been a Dallas resident for over 25 years and a Texan for over 35 by way of Houston. She is an Alumna of Southern Methodist University graduating with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and History and Master's Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Organizational Dynamics and Leadership. Graduating with honors, she is also a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society as an undergraduate and the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Program (AGLSP) Honor Society with her Master's.
Mrs. Battie has been working in educating our youth for over 16 years and has earned the status of "Master Teacher" by the Texas Education Association and was awarded the 2019-2020 Campus Teacher of the Year for Townview School of Business Management. Over the years, she has taught at schools throughout the southern sector including Lincoln High School, Maynard Jackson Middle School, South Oak Cliff High School, Dade Middle School, and currently at Townview Magnet Center. She has taught a multitude of courses from English to most Social Studies classes including AP Macroeconomics.
Susie has been serving the South Dallas and South Oak Cliff community and the city of Dallas for over 20 years. She has worked with the District 3 Economic Development Steering Committee, Dallas Black Chambers of Commerce Economic Development Committee, member of the NAACP, curriculum developer for Southwest Coalition For A Better Dallas Youth Construction Program, member of SBDM committees in both Dallas ISD and International Leadership of Texas Lancaster Campus, serving on South Oak Cliff PTA, and partnered with the Dallas Parks & Recreation Department to help bring new green space and parks to the 75216 area code. Her and her family have given tirelessly and countless hours to the community by coordinating back-to-school events, food drives, community and park clean-ups, voter registration, working with our homeless student population, and serving on numerous community committees and organizations for a better quality of life for all residents in the southern sector of Dallas. She was featured as one of the Who's Who in Black Dallas for 2017 for her achievements and leadership in the city. Mrs. Susie Battie is proud to serve the City of Dallas.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Talent Acquisition at at & T, Dallas / Fort Worth / Kennesaw State University
Jason has 16 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and began his career with AT&T Wireless in 2000 as a recruiting coordinator supporting the Mobile Multimedia Services Organization in Seattle, WA.
Since then he has held a series of diverse strategic and tactical roles across human resources function. Past roles include Assistant Vice President of International Compensation-Benefits & Expat Services, Executive Director of HR supporting the Big Data, Chief Technology and Global Connects Organizations, Talent Attraction Manager for the Staffing Organization, HR Business Partner for the Retail Sales & Services Markets, Regional HR Operations leader for the Southeast Retail Sales & Services Region and Corporate HR Director supporting Mobility Operations.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Art in Business Management from Seattle University and a Masters of Business Administration from the Michael J. Coles School of Business at Kennesaw State University.
Jason has a strong commitment to family, community and personal development. He's the proud father of two young children. His hobbies include playing sports, home improvement projects and any activities that allow him to enjoy the company of family and friends.
After graduating from The University of Texas in Austin in 1974, Jim began his career with the world's largest marketer, Proctor & Gamble, in field advertising management. Subsequently, he joined Bozell & Jacobs (now TM Advertising) as an account director on several retail and packaged goods accounts.
In 1979 Jim founded Krause Advertising. The agency has been named "Best Small Creative Shop in the Southwest" by Adweek magazine and has been honored in numerous awards shows.
Jim was selected by the Dallas Business Journal for inclusion in their "Forty Under Forty", a feature on young business entrepreneurs making an impact in their field. He has judged numerous advertising awards shows and is a frequent guest lecturer at his alma mater.
Jim is actively involved in the community, and has served as a board member and president of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as well as a board member of Goodwill Industries and The Anti-Defamation League. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Texas Program in Sports and Media in the Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas in Austin.
Through his involvement in charitable causes, Jim is proud to have worked with The North Texas Food Bank, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Family Place, The Vogel Alcove, DIFFA, Goodwill, St. Phillips School, The Senior Source and Jubilee Park.
Jim and his wife Candace have two boys ages 30 and 27.
Job Titles:
- EVP, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Jacobs
Joanne is EVP, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Jacobs, a 55,000-employee, Dallas-based firm providing consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery services to clients worldwide. In this role she leads global functions that work together to align to the overall business plan and strategic direction of the Company, specifically in the areas of Legal, Compliance and Insurance, Human Resources, HSE, Global Security and Sustainability, Enterprise Risk Management and the Sales Center of Excellence. She is also the Executive Sponsor for Prism, Jacobs' employee network for LGBTI+ people and their allies. Prior to her current role, Joanne had the roles of SVP, Human Resources and Vice President, Global Litigation. Prior to joining Jacobs in 2012, Joanne was a partner in 2 international law firms. She was named one of the top 100 attorneys in California (2006) and was repeatedly named as one of California's Top 75 Women Litigators. Throughout her career, she has been involved in many professional and civic organizations. Joanne is currently a member of the Economic Leadership Council of the Texas Women's Foundation. Previously, she served on the boards of Break the Cycle, a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending relationship violence for young people, the Constitutional Rights Foundation, a non- profit, non-partisan, community-based organization dedicated to educating America's young people about the importance of civic participation in a democratic society and was the Vice-Chair of California's Access to Justice Commission, a statewide Commission dedicated to exploring ways to improve access to civil justice for Californians living on low and moderate incomes. She is a graduate of Boston College and Boston College Law School. Joanne is based in Jacobs' Dallas Texas office and relocated to Dallas in 2017 when Jacobs moved its global headquarters here.
Julie Bugala began her career with Ameritech in 1997 in Hoffman Estates, IL as a member of the Staffing organization responsible for the search and recruitment of all IT talent. From there, she progressed through several leadership roles within the staffing organization to eventually assume the role of Director Staffing, Technical Channels supporting the Operations organization.
In addition to her Staffing Director responsibilities, Julie was appointed as lead to represent Management Staffing through multiple mergers beginning with Legacy AT&T in 2005. Her adjunct role was responsible for setting integration strategy, creating playbooks and delivering training to ensure a smooth change management process post merger of all staffing systems, processes, policies, employees and contractors.
Julie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Mundelein College Chicago. She is currently serving as Vice-Chair and Board Member for Dallas Workforce Solutions recognized nationally and locally as having the best workforce system that connects job seekers with ideal employment.
Julie's personal interests include competitive tennis, fishing and leisure golf. Her favorite leadership readings include "Powerful Conversations" and "Click" by Phil Harkins and "How the Mighty Fall" by Jim Collins. She's most proud of completing the Dallas half marathon in 2011 and 2012 and aspires to one day complete the full 26.2 mile course. Julie was born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area and now resides in Frisco, Texas with her fiance Brian.
Job Titles:
- Chief People Officer
- Executive Vice President
Kellie is our Chief People Officer who brings over 30 years of industry experience working in high tech, fast growing, companies and has a strong background in HR, M&A Integration, Talent Management, Organizational Design, Change Management and HR automation. Kellie oversees all areas of Human Resources and is responsible for managing the company's most critical resources our team. In addition, she is responsible for internal Real Estate for the company.
Prior to CyrusOne, Kellie was with ProQuest LLC, an information technology company, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she was Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources. As the top HR Executive, she was responsible for HR Strategy, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, Global People Strategy and leading the charge across the organization on their Global Vision, Mission and Values.
Prior to ProQuest, Kellie was with Dell Corporation in Austin, where she was the Executive Director, Human Resources, supporting more than 18,000 employees in its global Services Delivery group. Over an eight-year span at Dell, Ms. Teal-Guess worked in successively more strategic and advanced roles, overseeing all core human resource operations as well as key initiatives including organizational effectiveness, acquisition integration, and talent development. Prior to Dell, she held positions in Human Resources and Operations management at Foodmaker, Inc., and Six Flags Theme Parks.
Kellie is married to James Guess and has a son who is a recent graduate from TCU and a daughter who is a recent graduate from Baylor. Kellie is a lifelong Texan, who holds MBA, MPA, and BA degrees from the University of Texas System. She also sits on the Board of KIPP DFW. Her passions are giving back to the community, travel and time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- President and CEO / North Dallas Chamber of Commerce
Ken has served as the President and CEO of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce (NDCC) since June 2017. He is responsible for the oversight of all Chamber programs, operations, new member generation and communications with the Board of Directors. In addition, he leads the staff of the NDCC and the Chamber's strong public affairs presence in the Dallas area.
Prior to joining the NDCC, Ken had a lengthy career as an executive in the health insurance and benefits business with Aetna, Towers Perrin, CIGNA, Express Scripts and most recently as the West Region CEO for the Commercial Segment of Humana. Immediately before joining the Chamber, Ken served as the CEO of a health care start-up - Afferent Provider Solutions.
Ken also has a real passion for civic engagement as evidenced by his key impact roles in numerous non-profit organizations. He has served on the Boards of Directors of the YMCA of Metro Dallas, the Dallas Regional Chamber, Momentous Institute, the Dallas Breakfast Group, the Dallas Friday Group and the Friends of Katy Trail.
Ken has a B.A. in political science and government from Southern Methodist University, where he has served on the Board of Trustees, Chair of the SMU Alumni Board, and a multitude of executive and advisory Boards.
Job Titles:
- Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP
Kenneth Bernstein is an Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP and has served tax exempt, for- profit and publicly held provider care, medtech, biotech, and strategic growth organizations for more than 30 years. His clients have included a wide range of organizations over many years, including Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Scott & White, Baptist St. Anthony Healthcare System, and Touro Infirmary(New Orleans). He has participated in many tax exempt offerings, SEC registrations, and in due diligence procedures. Ken also participates in the firm's National Provider Care Industry Committee overseeing the firm's thought leadership initiatives and assisting with development of industry training. Ken serves as technical reviewer on many significant provider care audit engagements in the Southwest and other area offices. He also served in the firm's National Office overseeing the firm's health care professional development programs and participating in various firm accounting and auditing projects on matters affecting the provider care sector.
Ken is a CPA in Texas and selected other states. Ken received his BA in Economics and History from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN and his MBA from the University of Chicago. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and Fellow in the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA). Ken is currently the President of the Dallas Theater Center and has served as Treasurer and various other board committee positions at the Theater. He was also board member of the Temple Shalom Brotherhood. Ken lives in East Dallas with his wife Barbara Clay and has two children.
Kent Andersen is an Account Executive for Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. He has worked in Workforce Development for over 17 years, prior to joining Workforce Development he worked in the healthcare industry. Mr. Andersen has a degree in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. Working with our industry partners Mr. Andersen strives to foster relationships between industry, education and the workforce system by engaging industry in business-led workforce development initiatives that deliver an educated workforce with the skills demanded by industry.
Kerry worked as a retailer for 25 years including as a general manager of stores for bookstore/cafes at DFW and Denver International Airports, and corporate Buyer for several national chains. He received his Masters In Library Science from Indiana University in 1989 but did not work in the library field until 1999. Initially he worked in all different aspects of libraries in varying communities to learn the business for four years before being named City Librarian for the City of Southlake, Texas.
Kerry has been President of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association, an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League (TML), and President of the Public Library Administrators of North Texas. He was named 2009 Texas Librarian of the year by the Texas Library Association, and was nominated to run for President of that organization in 2014. He brings a business and retail sensibility focused on keeping costs down, developing an efficient and productive staff focused on providing superior customer service, and being out in the community developing partnerships that benefit the library as well as making the library an indispensable part of the fabric of DeSoto.
Kevin Faulkner has been employed with the Texas Workforce Commission for 20 years. He supervises the technical assistance team for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, and Trade Adjustment Assistance and has served in that capacity for over 3 years. Kevin began his career with the state in 1991 working for the State Job Training Coordinating Council, which later became the Texas Council on Workforce & Economic Competitiveness. In 1995, Kevin accepted a position at the Texas Employment Commission working in the Job Services Operation department. The Texas Legislature passed legislation during the 74th Regular Session that combined multiple employment and training programs from a number of agencies including the Texas Employment Commission to create the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). In the early days of TWC, Kevin worked as the executive assistant to the Director of the Workforce Development Division. Later he joined the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) technical assistance team as a program specialist. Since that time, the technical assistance team has expanded to include additional programs. Kevin has also been very involved in several of TWC's Rapid Process Improvement projects and has worked closely with Subrecipient Monitoring to improve technical assistance to the local workforce boards.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- Trustee of the Workforce Development Council of the US Conference of Mayors
WFSDallas is a non-profit corporation dedicated to workforce development in its fortieth year of operation. Service to the Dallas workforce system has proved a rewarding pursuit, extending Laurie's commitment to workforce for more than 45 years. Under her leadership, WFSDallas has exceeded multiple goals in expanded service to employers including upskilling, skills training, onsite provision of adult education and English as a Second Language, as well as providing child care subsidies to workers. The board assumes a strong focus on quality care for our future workforce. She is quick to remind the team that WFSDallas "exists to ensure competitive solutions FOR EMPLOYERS through quality people, and FOR PEOPLE through quality jobs!" Innovations have been accomplished via grants and non-government funding to expand the Board's impact, and partnerships with economic development and education. Retail Pays and PATHS for Texas are major endeavors funded by Walmart.org, and relationships with Jobs for the Future led to various projects including The Future of Work Grand Challenge funded through New Profit. WFSDallas maintains excellence in the direction of various government employment and training resources; all contributing to a better workforce for Dallas County, with resources of nearly $200M, annually.
Under Laurie's direction, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas received national recognition for Excellence in Community College Partnership during the very recent NAWB Forum23 for a long and powerful partnership with Dallas College. The Board previously received acknowledgement from the National Workforce Board Association (NAWB) via the Theodore E. Small Workforce Partnership Award for a DFW Airport Logistics Project. In the fall of 2022, the Board partnered with funders to produce a PBS RoadTrip Nation documentary "Wide Open Range" following four young Texans as they pursued their workforce exploration around Texas. The Board consistently receives state awards for performance and innovation.
Laurie serves as a trustee of the Workforce Development Council of the US Conference of Mayors, an active member of the National Association of Workforce Boards, and a member of the Dallas Executive Women's Roundtable. Laurie is a noted contributor, panelist and speaker at multiple conferences around the country. She has testified before Congressional Committees on numerous workforce-related topics.
Laurie Bouillion Larrea is honored to serve as President/CEO of Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, the Dallas County Workforce Development Board. Capping a career in employment and training spanning more than forty years, service to the Dallas workforce system has proved a rewarding commitment. Under her direction, the Board in Dallas has achieved its goal of becoming the best in employment, service to employers, adult education and childcare & all contributing to a better workforce for Dallas County. The Board is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the region with resources of $100M annually. Recent projects include partnerships with Walmart and 100K Opportunities Initiative! Laurie also serves as a Trustee of the Workforce Development Council of the US Conference of Mayors. The WDC is a premiere member organization contributing to the national dialogue, documenting best practices and defining the needs for a competitive workforce. She has testified before Congressional Committees regarding the passage of Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) and addressing Welfare Reform. Prior to Dallas, Ms. Larrea directed workforce systems in Houston and Southeast Texas. As a private employment and training consultant, Laurie's work included conference planning; procurement, negotiation and contract training; and planning for various councils and contractors - the Texas Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Labor. She is an alumnus of Lamar University in Beaumont, Laurie earned a B.S. in Psychology with emphasis in Industrial Psychology.
Lee Ann joined Region 10 in March 2012 as a Consultant for Curriculum and Assessment Products for the Dallas Region. She provides training and services to approximately 85 districts, and oversees and develops new Bilingual/Dual language/ESL curriculum products, and consults with districts and schools in the implement of CSCOPE curriculum. Prior to working with Region 10, Lee Ann has worked with Keller ISD as a bilingual academic support specialist, and ESL specialist. Lee Ann has worked with Lamar Elementary School in El Paso, Texas as a campus staff development an d instructional site specialist. Ms. Valerio has received her M.Ed in Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Ms. Valerio holds the following certifications: Texas Principal Certificate K-12, Elementary Self Contained 1-8, English as a Second Language Certificate K-12, Instructional Leadership Certificate, Professional Development and Appraisal System Certificate, Generalist EC-4, Bilingual Generalist EC-4, Bilingual Supplemental 4-8, Special Education EC-12, and Gifted and Talented EC-12.
Job Titles:
- AFL - CIO Political Director
- Political Director AFL - CIO
Lewis Fulbright, AFL-CIO Political Director, began the position In August 2016. He retired from the US Postal Service in 2009. He served in the US Army in 1968.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Member of the National Workforce Institute ( NWI ) Advisory Committee
- Vice President, External Relations
Linda K. Davis, Vice President External Relations, is responsible for developing and maintaining quality services, through contractor and stakeholder partnerships, which meet the needs of employer customers. Linda has an extensive background in employment and training programs spanning more than 20 years. As an advocate of business-driven service delivery systems, she has worked at the state and national level on workforce development service improvement strategies as well as creating multi-functional high-performance teams.
Ms. Davis currently serves as a member of the National Workforce Institute (NWI) Advisory Committee and as an Examiner for the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. She is past president of the Texas Workforce Association, served as Secretary to the Texas Association of Workforce Boards and as a Board Trustee for the USCM Workforce Development Council. She recently acquired certification as an NWI Certified Workforce Expert (CWE).
Job Titles:
- Senior Innovation Strategist
Lynn Hoffman, Senior Innovation Strategist, is responsible for the development and implementation of innovative solutions for the business community. With over 25 years of employer engagement, recruitment, marketing, technology, and workforce development experience, she leads upskilling and reskilling initiatives to affect a coordinated and industry-focused response to talent and skill acquisition needs. Hoffman guides activities funded through philanthropic partnership include Retail Pays, PATHS for Texas, Prologis CWI and the Future of Work Grand Challenge in addition to Technology and Retail Sector strategies.
Hoffman holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In addition to career endeavors, Lynn is married with two grown daughters, sings in the choir at First Baptist Rockwall, assists her family, and enjoys baking wonderful treats.
A long-serving Irving ISD employee with deep ties to the community has been hired as the next leader for the Irving Independent School District. The Board of Trustees has approved the hiring of Magda Hernandez as superintendent of schools for the 33,000-student district.
I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this incredible district. I have proudly served Irving ISD for more than two decades because of our remarkable students and because it is a great community, says Superintendent Magda Hernández. I am fully committed to guiding the district with my leadership and passion for education to meet every student's highest potential, improving our engagement with families and the community and positioning Irving ISD as a premier district.
Job Titles:
- CIO Central Labor Council
As the newly re-elected Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Dallas AFL-CIO Central Labor Council representing 55,000 union members in Dallas County and two term Democratic Party Chair of Wise County, also former Wise County Grand Jury Commissioner. I have held multiple elected positions during the last 25 years of Union membership at TWU Local 513, including Shop Steward and Executive Board and currently serve as Strike Committee Co-Chair. I co-founded the Recreation Committee, the Bereavement Committee and the Strike Committee at Local 513.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Global Philanthropy Corporate Responsibility JPMorgan Chase
Michelle Thomas joined JPMorgan Chase in 2000. She is vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations for JPMorgan Chase and responsible for managing a multi-million dollar corporate giving budget for the Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma region. Michelle is also responsible for implementing the firm's strategic approach to philanthropy, which is multifaceted and aims to address community needs in the local market. She serves on the Dallas Market Leadership Team and represents the firm at community events.
Michelle has been in the financial industry for more than 25 years as a banker, human resource and community development professional. A Dallas native, Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from the University of Oklahoma and a MBA from Dallas Baptist University. In addition, she received her teaching certification from the State of Texas and Oklahoma.
She is personally committed to the community through her many volunteer roles, including Advisory Board of the Center for Nonprofit Management, Junior League of Dallas and the Kipp DFW Council, Board of Director for the African American Museum, Dallas Summit, Methodist Health Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Foundation. She is an alumnus of Leadership Dallas and a member of Dallas Assembly and Dallas Summit. Michelle was recently recognized as a 2014 Minority Business Leader in the Dallas Business Journal and the recipient of the 2015 Business and Civic Leader award by the Dallas Black Dance Theater and the 2015 Income Award by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Under Michelle's leadership, JPMorgan Chase received Outstanding Corporation of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2015. Being a catalyst for meaningful, positive, and sustainable change within high need neighborhoods and communities across the globe is important to JPMorgan Chase and to Michelle as a champion of the firm's commitment to corporate responsibility.
Since 2009, Miguel Solis has served the residents of Dallas in the areas of education, housing, and transportation. Miguel began his professional career in Dallas as a teacher and later, special assistant to the Superintendent in the Dallas Independent School District; co-founded the non-profit Latino Center for Leadership Development; and ran the urban policy think tank Coalition for a New Dallas. In 2013, Miguel was elected to the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees at the age of 27. During his tenure he has also served as the Board President and Vice-President making him the youngest person ever to hold these roles.
As Dallas ISD Trustee, Miguel's efforts included drafting and unanimously passing the district's first early childhood education policy; a ban on out-of-school suspensions for the district's youngest children which is now state law; a comprehensive racial equity policy and department; and helping to create the district's revolutionary teacher excellence evaluation, support, and pay system among other initiatives. During his decade of service to the district, Dallas ISD underwent a monumental transformation which saw the number of its improvement required schools significantly reduced and its innovative concepts used as models for other districts across Texas and the nation.
Currently, Miguel serves as a Special Projects Consultant for The Commit Partnership. He conducts a national, state and local landscape analysis of school district professional development, recruitment opportunity racial equity policies and programming. He spearheads the design thinking process leading to the removal of discretionary in-school and out of school suspensions for DISD. Miguel serves as the program manager of professional learning for the Texas Urban Council consisting of ten of the largest school districts in Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Aldine, and San Antonio ISDs). He also manages the creation of a regional tutoring support infrastructure to support Dallas County school districts with post-COVID19 academic recovery.
Miguel graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Harvard University with a Master of Education in Education Policy and Management.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of TRIO
- Founding Executive Director of TRIO and Pre - Collegiate Programs at UNT
Nakia Douglas is the Founding Executive Director of TRIO and Pre-Collegiate Programs at UNT - Dallas. In this role, he works collaboratively with members of the University, School Districts, Business and Local Community to create engaging, nontraditional educational experiences for students throughout the DFW area. Prior to his current work, he served as the Executive Director of the South Oak Cliff Feeder Pattern in Dallas ISD. Additionally, Nakia was the Founding Principal of "The" Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. A twenty-five year (K-16) Educator, he has served students and communities from North Carolina, Georgetown, Pflugerville and Dallas, Texas as either a Teacher and/or Administrator.
Within his spare time, he serves the community on various boards and committees. Nakia has received several recognitions for his work in education including the KERA - American Graduate Champion, SMU Luminary Award, Trailblazer Awards, Dallas ISD Magnet Principal of the Year and D CEO Dallas 500 (2021 & 2022).
Nakia graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas ISD. Received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Livingstone College and Master's in Instructional Technology from Houston Baptist University. He and his wife, Gloria are both career educators and have two children.
Job Titles:
- SVP of Human Resources for Kaplan Inc
Patrick J. Aulson is currently SVP of Human Resources for Kaplan Inc. where he leads the global Human Resources function. Pat is based in Ft Lauderdale Florida and reports to Janice Block, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer.
Pat has served in a number of senior and executive HR roles in a variety of industries including high technology, financial services, manufacturing, consumer products and higher education.
During the first part of his career Pat worked for Northeastern University and then joined Texas Instruments where he held positions in staffing, training and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits. In 1981 he joined the corporate staff of Texas Instruments where he became the Corporate Compensation Manager with worldwide responsibility for the compensation function.
Pat holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and a Bachelors of Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He was granted membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Business Honor Society for his graduate work.
Pat and his wife, Kathy, have five grown children and reside in Deerfield Beach, FL.
Job Titles:
- Co Director of Government Affairs
- Director of Government Affairs for PepsiCo
Rebecca Acuña is the Director of Government Affairs for PepsiCo, responsible for state and local relations in Texas. Prior to joining PepsiCo, she was the Executive Director of the Latino Center for Leadership Development, a national leadership organization that creates a pipeline of policy-makers and thought-leaders. Ms. Acuña has also served in leadership roles in political campaigns and federal and state government in Washington, D.C. and Texas. A veteran of the Texas State capitol, Ms. Acuña has served as a Chief of Staff and Communications Director for three members of the Texas House of Representatives. She was the first Latina tapped as statewide Press Secretary for a major-party gubernatorial campaign in Texas. She has also served as Communications Director for a Texas Member of Congress in Washington, D.C. Raised in Laredo, Texas, Rebecca is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. She serves on the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Greater Dallas and on the Board of Directors for the ChildCareGroup.
Job Titles:
- Quality Systems Manager
- the Quality Systems Manager
Rebecca Monnette, the Quality Systems Manager, represents the agency at Health and Human Services Commission sanction related appeals and serves as the agency liaison to the Office of the Attorney General and local IV-D Child Support Enforcement Courts. She is responsible to ensure the Dallas area workforce centers maintain compliance with federal statutes, state rule, and local policy and assists with the coordination of on-site reviews conducted by both state and external monitors.
Ms. Monnette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University and has 25 years of experience in the Dallas workforce system including; job training program eligibility, career counseling, and workforce center management, including her previous tenure as the contractor's Operations Manager.
Richard (Dick) H. Collins was born in Dallas and is a sixth-generation Texan. He is a former Chairman and CEO of two banks and has been active in real estate, energy, and media investments. Collins currently serves as Chairman and CEO of !station, an interactive education company with more than five million students enrolled in its network across all fifty states. He is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting many causes in the arts, in education and historic preservation. Collins has served on the board of various charitable and philanthropic organizations. He was appointed by the Governor to the Texas Historical Commission, and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. He has two daughters and lives in Dallas, Texas.
Job Titles:
- Research Manager
- Planner With Workforce Solutions Tarrant County and As a Labor Market Analyst With the Texas Workforce Commission
- Resource Development and Deployment - Manager
Richard Perez is the Research Manager for Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas and has over 25 years of experience with Workforce Development. Richard specializes in performance data and research and leads the Dallas Board's employer services, training, and labor market information efforts.
Mr. Perez has worked as a planner with Workforce Solutions Tarrant County and as a Labor Market Analyst with the Texas Workforce Commission. Richard earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M Kingsville.
Job Titles:
- Dallas President
- President University of North Texas at Dallas
University of North Texas at Dallas President Robert "Bob" Mong is leading UNTD's efforts to help students blaze a pathway toward social mobility. Named the third president of UNT Dallas in 2015, the University has achieved record enrollment numbers under Mong, as it transforms into a residential campus and deepens its role as a community-changing force in South Dallas and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Field Director at the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative
Rolinda Duran is a Field Director at the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). She has over twenty years experience working with persons with disabilities, assisting with advocacy, independent living skills training, and employment services. Rolinda has coordinated workshops, seminars, and training sessions at the local, regional, and state level for persons with disabilities, school district personnel, and vocational rehabilitation professionals. Rolinda manages an office of 45 staff with responsibilities for direct supervision including hiring, performance appraisals, and compliance with HR policies, and ensures that the agency's mission is carried out.
Job Titles:
- Payroll and Accounts Payable Manager
Rowena joined the agency in 2010 and currently serves as the Payroll and Accounts Payable Manager. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the agency's payroll and accounts payable functions and systems.
Rowena received the following degrees:
B.S. in Merchandising from University of North Texas
M.S. in Accounting from University of Dallas
MBA from Texas Woman's University
While not working, Rowena enjoys spending time with her family and church fellowship.
Shannon has 28 years of experience with HHSC. She is currently a Program Manager with Access and Eligibility Services for the: Dallas Blair, Dallas Cadiz, Greenville and Richardson offices. In this role, she provides effective leadership to a team of direct delivery supervisors and their staff as well as the administrative support staff. She also leads the region's morale team. Every day, she strives to inspire, guide, and enrich her team who connect Texans, with services and supports. Over the years she has managed 100's of staff members who determine the eligibility for: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, and Medicaid for Elderly and People with Disabilities programs.
From 1989 to 2014, Shannon held various positions of increasing responsibility at HHSC, including clerical support for family services, investigator of quality assurance, advisor for Texas Works and program supervisor for Office of Eligibility Services.
Shannon was a dedicated fulltime employee of HHSC and also worked for the Army Air Force Exchange Service for 16 years part-time in the Exchange Credit Program Department (ECP). ECP was established by Congress in 1979 to protect service members from predatory lending. In that role, she served a customer base of 24.5 million active-duty military; retirees; National Guardsmen; Reservists; honorably discharged Veterans; authorized Public Health Service associates; authorized National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration associates; US Coast Guard members; authorized State Department associates; and Department of Defense authorized associates.
Shannon was born and raised in Dallas TX, she attended University of Phoenix where she studied Sociology.
A quote that has really motivated Shannon throughout her career comes from William Shakespeare "Be not afraid of greatness"
Job Titles:
- Employment Services Manager
Stephanie currently serves as the WIOA/Employment Services Manager within the Workforce Development Division at the Texas Workforce Commission. She and her team provide targeted technical assistance and consultative services for these programs to all 28 workforce boards with a strong interpersonal focus on collaboration as well as successful outcomes for program participants and employers across the state of Texas. This includes the creation and production of content, webinars and presentations related to program; representing TWC at conferences throughout the state; and serving as the SME for WIOA/ES grant funded or policy issued special projects. Additionally, Stephanie serves as the Fidelity Bonding Coordinator for the state of Texas. Before this role, Stephanie also served as the SNAP and TANF Supervisor and began her career with TWC as a Board Grant Manager.
Stephanie began her 29+ year state career with the General Land Office/Texas Veteran's Land Board. This work included project management, budget preparation, contract management, real estate valuation services, and coordination of annual valuations of state agency owned properties in accordance with state and federal legislation and policy.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Stephanie and her husband live in Austin but travel to Dallas frequently to visit family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Industry Communications Manager
Steven Bridges is the Industry Communications Manager for Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. He has worked in Workforce Development for over 25 years in almost every capacity of the Workforce System. Steven has a degree in Organizational Communications from St. Edward's University in Austin, TX. His passion for workforce services fuels his desire to bridge the tremendous skills gap that exists in America. To accomplish this task, Steven works to develop the strong partnerships necessary to ensure skills training is relevant for today's workforce needs.
Job Titles:
- Eligibility Operations Program Manager, HHSC
Taura is currently the Eligibility Operations Program Manager for Texas Works with the Access and Eligibility department at HHSC. In this role, she and her team provide a structured and intentional approach to the eligibility process, and offer tools to help staff determine eligibility effectively, with the goal of optimizing positive performance, and increasing accuracy during the eligibility determination process.
Previously, she began her career with the State in the DADS department at HHSC (currently known as CCSE) as an Intake Screener, and later became a Texas Works Hospital Based Worker where she determined eligibility for State and federally funded benefits at various HHSC contracted hospitals. She later entered into management, where she served as a Texas Works Field Office Advisor III and Unit Supervisor for several offices. Taura has participated in various HHSC pilot programs across the Region.
Taura attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University where she studied Political Science, and currently attends Western Governor's University Academy where she's currently studying to get her 4-year degree in Business Administration Management.
Taura currently lives in Dallas with her husband and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Taura has a passion for influencing and developing future leaders and hopes to start her own business someday, where she can help others reach their full potential in accomplishing their career goals.
Job Titles:
- Black Jack Enterprises, Owner
Terry Jones was born on May 14, 1961, in Dallas, Texas. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School and while still in school, he worked several part time jobs.
Terry began working for Zale Corporation as a computer operator in 1979 after he graduated high school. He worked there for at least 4 years. During this time, he also attended El Centro College in Downtown Dallas.
He was offered a better opportunity at Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company as a senior operator in 1985.
In 1985, Jones was offered a new assignment at Lomas and Nettleton, where he worked as a senior analyst.
Upon his retirement from Lomas and Nettleton in 1990, he founded Black Jack Pizza.During this time Jones also established his own record label, Black Jack Records where he managed and produced several local recording artists and also produced several music videos.
Mr. Jones has since established Black Jack Enterprises where he has developed several other business projects.
He is an avid golfer and enjoys playing golf throughout the city and around the world.
Job Titles:
- Vice President With AECOM
Wendy Lopez is currently a vice president with AECOM, where she leads the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro operations. As DFW Metro Manager, she has 170 staff reporting to her through three offices located throughout Dallas and Fort Worth. In addition to her work responsibilities at AECOM, Wendy volunteers in areas that interest her. She served on the National Women's Business Advisory Council, a non-partisan advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendation to the President of the United States, Congress, and the SBA on economic issues of importance to women business owners. Wendy was a board member of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee and the 2014 Conference of Mayors Host Committee. She has been honored locally and nationally for her commitment to entrepreneurialism, math and science education, and community service.
Wesley is responsible for procurement of all Board services and products exceeding $25,000. He negotiates, develops and manages contracts for those services and products, and approves vendors who provide occupational skills training for the adult population in Dallas County.
During his tenure with the Board, he has held the position of MIS Supervisor, program evaluator and procurement specialist. Prior to joining the Board, Wesley worked at East Texas Council of Government as Section Chief-Management Services, Occupational Training and Economic Development Programs. Wesley earned his BA in Political Science from UTA and Master's Degree from UTA's School of Urban and Regional Affairs.