DRC announces LEAD YP Class of 2026

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The 55 members of the Dallas Regional Chamber’s LEAD YP Class of 2026 reflect a wide range of industries and organizations across the Dallas Region. Selected through a competitive application process, the class members have been recognized for their demonstrated leadership potential, professional backgrounds, and engagement in the community. 

Through a hands-on curriculum, LEAD YP, powered by Arcosa, deepens young professionals’ understanding of their leadership style and primes them to grow into leaders who champion the Dallas Region.  

“Great regions are built by people who choose to step up and lead. Investing in these leaders is one of the best bets we can make for the future of our region,” said Brad Cheves, DRC President & CEO. “The LEAD YP Class of 2026 is full of rising professionals who are ready to grow, get involved and make a difference. We’re excited to support their journey and see how they help move our region forward.”

Through the LEAD YP program, participants receive monthly training on personal leadership, navigating change, building a personal brand, and utilizing the Predictive Index Behavior Assessment. The program begins in April with a retreat, followed by monthly class days through October. Each class day focuses on different aspects of the DRC’s work and highlights opportunities for participants to engage in these initiatives.  

Upon graduation, participants will have the opportunity to join the Young Professionals Advisory Council at the DRC, where they can continue to grow their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact on the young professional community in the Dallas Region.  

“LEAD YP is designed to give emerging leaders the experiences, connections and perspective needed to grow with intention,” said Mallory Mullis, Manager of Leadership Programs at the DRC. “We’re excited to welcome this class and support them as they continue building their leadership journey.” 

The members of the LEAD YP Class of 2026 are:

 

Name  Organization 
Alexander Powell  Improving 
Alexandra Lancey  Troutman Pepper Locke 
Andrew Minick  Perot Jain/Hillwood 
Anna Catherine Graves  Regions Bank 
Aubrey Talley  Communities Foundation of Texas 
Austin Kurnick  Premier Truck Group 
Bailey Bryant  Broadway Dallas 
Briana Monsalve  Oncor 
Carl Mordi  Arete Health 
Cecilia Reyes  JBJ Management 
Chad Rockwell  Connect Search LLC 
Charles Sorbello  Truist 
Chatashia Brown  Dallas Regional Chamber 
Chris McAlister  Holland & Knight LLP 
Clayton Petty  Huntington Bank 
Colton Hammers  Susser Bank 
Cristina Caballero  Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP 
Douglas Kang  UMB Bank 
Emily Beazley  Whitley Penn 
Erin Hall  Lockton Dunning Benefits 
Felisha Wishaw  Global Gaming LSP/Chickasaw Nation 
Frank Rodriz  Bank of America 
Grant Busch  JPMorganChase 
Itzy Castaneda  T.D. Jakes Foundation 
Jake Webb  HUB International Texas, Inc. 
Jon Pattie  Fidelity Investments 
Joy Tapia  Atmos Energy 
Kalya Hardy  Vistra Corp 
Kevin Chiu  Baker Botts L.L.P. 
Lily Sinclair  Russell Reynolds Associates 
Madeline Jurek  Jacobs 
Marcelo Garibaldi  BCG 
Mark Valdez  McCarthy Building Companies 
Matt Huckaby  Ruiz Foods 
Michael Coleman  Haynes Boone 
Michael Cook  Forvis Mazars 
Nelson Costello  Citi 
Payson Loibl  Hillwood, a Perot Company 
Preston Zartman  Balfour Beatty 
Reshma Muddaluri  Arcosa 
Rickey Parker II  Verizon 
RJ Crimmins  PNC Bank 
Ryan Graber  Capital One Bank 
Scott A. Friedman  Toyota Motor North America 
Shania Wilhite  The Shops at RedBird 
Taylor Weyland  Two Roads Consulting 
Thomas Poynter  Weaver 
Tommy Ferrara  Forst 
Victor Ribakare  Dallas Mavericks 
Vitoria Rodriguez  Turner Construction Company 
Whitney Warren  Dikita Enterprises, Inc. 
Wilbert Gutierrez  Ashford 
Zach Lough  Comerica Bank 
Zach Pudelek  Schneider Electric 
Zachary Stubblefield  Carrington Coleman