Jessica Heer, Senior Vice President of Talent Attraction + Leadership, discusses the impact of leadership programs in the Dallas Region.
Through Leadership Dallas, actively engaged business executives and community leaders participate in a transformational journey, exploring critical factors affecting the region’s quality of life and developing lifelong personal and professional relationships. Since Leadership Dallas’ founding in 1975, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s leadership programs have expanded to include the Young Professionals group, Executive Women’s Roundtable, the Leadership Dallas Alumni Association, and the Welcoming New Executives Program.
Combined, these leadership programs help the Dallas Regional Chamber reach one of its primary goals: growing leaders across careers, companies, and communities.
Leadership Dallas alumni include Ron Kirk, Helen Giddings, and Jack Lowe Jr.
Jessica Heer, Senior Vice President
Originally from upstate New York, Jessica calls Dallas her home because it’s a place where both her career and family can grow. In her role, she oversees and supports the DRC leadership programs that educate professionals, raise community awareness, and offer hands-on experiences unique to the Dallas Region.
Jessica starts her day listening to leadership podcasts, her go-to resource for leadership development. Some of her favorite podcasts include “The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast,” “How I Built This,” and “Women at Work.”
Cindy Masters, Director of Leadership Dallas and Welcoming New Executives
A native of the region, Cindy admires how the Dallas Region develops passionate community advocates. Through Leadership Dallas, leaders of diverse backgrounds are challenged to apply their personal experience to critical social and community issues. Through Welcoming New Executives, newly relocated or promoted executives in the Dallas Region are given the opportunity to connect with other leaders while immersing themselves in the community.
Cindy starts each day by prioritizing her to-do list. She calls Eleanor Roosevelt her favorite leader because of her leadership role in a time where women leaders were not respected.
LaDondra Wilson, Director of Leadership Dallas Alumni and Executive Women’s Roundtable
Born and raised in Dallas, LaDondra serves the community by supporting two programs that keep professionals involved in the region. Through Leadership Dallas Alumni, alumni of LD are given opportunities to continue improving their leadership skills and engaging with one another. Through Executive Women’s Roundtable, women leaders in the region are provided a forum to discuss business issues and challenges, and broaden their professional perspectives.
LaDondra starts her day with meditation and reflection. Her favorite leader is Jane Addams, known as the mother of social work and a pioneer for social impact.
Cathryn McClellan, Manager of Young Professionals
One of the newest additions to the team, Cathryn empowers professionals in the region who want to become more involved in the community. Through Young Professionals, these individuals are encouraged to give back, build their network, learn about policy issues, and grow as professionals.
Cathryn begins each morning walking her dogs, Pearl and Grace. Her favorite leader is Michelle Obama because she’s open about the struggle of being a woman and having it all, and balancing life and work.
Hannah Lee, Leadership Coordinator
Hannah, the other new addition to the team, is a Dallas native who attended school at Southern Methodist University. Prior to the DRC, she strengthened her leadership skills by working with college students. She now supports all leadership programs that enrich the Dallas Region community.
She starts each day with a cup of coffee and her favorite music. She calls Michelle Obama her favorite leader because of her ability to speak her mind freely and handle differences.