50 years of Leadership Dallas: It ‘has stood the test of time’

By Morgan Scruggs, Coordinator, Leadership Programs

To celebrate 50 years of Leadership Dallas (LD), presented by Grant Thornton, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s premier leadership development program, we are highlighting a series of alumni to learn more about the LD experience.

For Oncor’s Debbie Dennis, LD sparked her interest in Dallas and paved the path to her current role.

“Leadership Dallas has shaped my vision of Dallas because I learned so many things about the city that I wouldn’t have known otherwise,” said Dennis, Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer, and Chief HR Officer at Oncor and a graduate of the LD Class of 2009. “It also further shaped and heightened my interest in and passion for community involvement.”

Dennis was first inspired by her professional peers to apply for LD, which aligned with her career and leadership at Oncor.

“Many of my colleagues were graduates of LD and highly recommended that I apply for the program. I was also in a role at the time where I worked closely with city management and the city council which made the program even more valuable.”

After her time in LD, Dennis’ view on the power of service in leadership changed.

“The most significant way LD shaped my view of leaders and leadership [was in] cementing the importance community involvement plays in developing leaders and growing leadership skills. It has changed the way I approach leadership, and I have seen it do that in others.”

Because of LD, Dennis also discovered new areas where she could be a leader in the community.

“LD enhanced my leadership skills and my professional network which has led to leadership opportunities within Oncor and community organizations, including the Dallas Regional Chamber, International Women’s Forum, and Baylor Scott and White Health and Wellness Institute.”

Dennis recommends LD to all leaders in the Dallas Region.

“LD was the best external leadership program that I have experienced and offers significant benefits,” said Dennis. “The program has stood the test of time, and graduates over the last 50 years have made a visible impact in the city of Dallas, the North Texas region, and beyond.”

Interested in applying to LD? Hear more alumni testimonials and learn how to build a strong application at an upcoming information session.