Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
By Michael Wood, Vice President, Education & Workforce
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Dallas College Board of Trustees swore in three new members, filling vacancies created by planned board transitions.
The Dallas College Board of Trustees is comprised of seven members, each representing single-member districts across Dallas County. The Board of Trustees is responsible for approving Dallas College’s budget and setting policy for the institution. Dallas College serves more than 130,000 students annually through a nearly $800 million budget.
Since June of this year, three sitting members of the Dallas College Board of Trustees announced their retirements from the Board: Trustee Phil Ritter in District 2, Trustee Monica Lira Bravo in District 4 and Trustee Diana Flores in District 6.
To fill these vacancies, the Dallas College Board of Trustees accepted applications and interviewed eligible candidates. The board announced a single finalist for each district on September 11 and formally approved their terms on October 6.
Libby McCabe, District 2
Libby McCabe succeeded Phil Ritter in District 2, which covers portions of north and northwest Dallas County.
McCabe is an attorney and a proven education policy leader. A founding board member of The Commit Partnership, she served as Senior Policy Advisor for the organization, leading state legislative and regulatory work spanning early childhood through postsecondary education.
McCabe’s efforts at The Commit Partnership culminated in the passage of House Bill 8 in 2023, which revolutionized the way Texas funds community colleges statewide.
“Dallas College is one of our region’s most powerful drivers of economic mobility, providing accessible, affordable education and workforce training that transforms lives and strengthens our economy,” said McCabe. “I’m excited to join the Board of Trustees to help connect more students to opportunities to attain the education and skills they need to succeed in our local economy.”
Maria Yolisma Garcia, District 4
In District 4, which includes east and southeast Dallas County, Maria Yolisma Garcia succeeded Monica Lira Bravo.
Garcia is a graduate of Dallas College, having earned an associate degree from Dallas College’s Eastfield Campus, where she was named Student Leader of the Year. She later received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Today, Garcia is a communications professional with more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, multicultural marketing and community engagement.
“My own experiences and advocacy for my community called me to serve on the Dallas College Board,” said Garcia. “Being appointed to this position is an opportunity to humbly continue giving back in a larger capacity.”
Joey Rodriguez, District 6
Joey Rodriguez succeeded Diana Flores in District 6, which spans Oak Cliff to Farmers Branch and portions of downtown and east Dallas.
Rodriguez, a former Dallas ISD teacher, is a board governance coach. He trains and provides direct support to school boards through his role as Director, Commit to Leaders, at The Commit Partnership. Rodriguez is also the founder of Firme DFW, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and mentorship to first-generation college students.
“Public education and access to affordable higher education changed the trajectory of my life,” said Rodriguez. “I joined the Dallas College Board to help ensure every single student has a clear pathway from education to a meaningful career and greater economic opportunity.”
McCabe, Garcia and Rodriguez will each serve as trustee until the next regularly scheduled Dallas College election, set for November 2027, during which all three districts will appear on the ballot. The elections in Districts 2 and 4 will be for the remainder of the original term, both of which will expire in November 2029, and the November 2027 election in District 6 will be for a full six-year term.