Date: August 7, 2019
Contact: Olivia Breedlove – Managing Director of Communications
Direct Line: 214.746.6790
obreedlove@dallaschamber.org
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dallas Regional Chamber Announces Leadership Dallas Class of 2020
Business and community leaders selected to participate in Leadership Dallas,
the Dallas Region’s premier leadership development program
DALLAS (August 7, 2019) – The Dallas Regional Chamber today announced the 44th class of Leadership Dallas, the premier leadership development program in the Dallas Region.
Founded in 1975, Leadership Dallas prepares a diverse group of leaders through intensive curriculum that explores critical issues and creates positive change. The program serves as an opportunity for individuals who are both acknowledged and aspiring leaders to continue their professional development and further cultivate a demonstrated commitment to serving the community.
“The Leadership Dallas Class of 2020 was selected based on each individual’s commitment to community and high potential for leadership,” said Dale Petroskey, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber. “It is an honor to welcome this new class, and we at the DRC look forward to continued collaboration as we help make the Dallas Region the best place in the United States to live, work, and do business.”
During the 10-month educational program, participants develop leadership capabilities as they build strong relationships with fellow classmates and current community leaders. Through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations, class projects, and other leadership development activities, participants gain a deeper understanding of the critical issues facing the Dallas Region. They are challenged to apply their talents towards addressing these issues in the future.
“Leadership Dallas participants are immersed in the history and current affairs of the Dallas Region to identify the challenges we face as a community,” said Joseph Oyler, Managing Director of Leadership Programs for the Dallas Regional Chamber. “It is our hope that each Leadership Dallas graduate will use the knowledge and enhanced leadership skills gained through the program to bring positive change.”
Leadership Dallas has more than 2,200 graduates who continue to positively impact the region. Many alumni have achieved the top executive role at their current organizations, founded their own businesses, or gone on to a career in public service. Leadership Dallas alumni include former police chiefs, former U.S. Ambassadors, and elected officials at the city, state, and national levels.
The members of the Leadership Dallas Class of 2020 are:
| Name | Company | Title |
| Nicholas Diaz | Amegy Bank of Texas | Executive Vice President |
| Yuki Whitmire | Arcosa Inc. | Associate General Counsel & Corporate Secretary |
| Mohammed Farshori | AT&T | Director, Citizenship & Sustainability |
| Oric Walker | Atmos Energy Corporation | Vice President, Public Affairs |
| Anita Paxton | Axxess | Vice President, Talent |
| Tershea Green | Bank of America | Sales Performance & Support Executive |
| Mitch Dean | Baylor Scott & White Health | Vice President & Assistant General Counsel |
| Jason Aboujeib | The Beck Group | Associate Principal |
| Amanda Rainey | Big Thought | Chief Advancement Officer |
| Holly Herin-Wallace | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas | Director, National Account Management |
| Dawn Kahle | Children’s Health | Senior Director, Communications |
| Andrew Witkoff | Citi | Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager |
| John Siburt | CitySquare | President |
| Elizabeth Saab | City of Dallas | External Relations Manager |
| Amanda Mahaney | Comerica Bank | Senior Vice President, Director of Business Banking |
| Gillea Allison | D Magazine Partners | President |
| Philip Huang | Dallas County Health & Human Services Department | Director |
| Katherine Haskel | Dallas Historical Society | Director, Education |
| Angie Gaylord | Dallas Independent School District | Deputy Chief, Transformation & Innovation |
| James Walton | EY | Partner – Advisory Services |
| Lane Conner | Fuzse | Founder & CEO |
| Brittani Rettig | GRIT Fitness | Founder & CEO |
| Darwin Bruce | Haynes and Boone, LLP | Counsel |
| Andrew Schick | Hilti North America | Talent Acquisition Director |
| Josh Ramsey | Hilton | Senior Director, Customer Care |
| Benjamin Revello | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Vice President |
| Stephanie Sparks | Jackson Walker LLP | Energy Regulatory and Litigation Partner |
| Adrianna Vandercook | Jacobs | Engineering Project Manager |
| Elizabeth Dacus | Junior League of Dallas, Inc. | President-Elect |
| Erin Gollhofer | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Global CSR Consultant |
| Erika Salter | Law Office of Erika N. Salter, PC | CEO |
| Kelly Vickers | Locke Lord LLP | Partner, White Collar Defense |
| Mike Smith | Lockton Dunning Benefits | Vice President and Risk Advisor |
| Yulise Reaves Waters | Lone Star Justice Alliance | Director, Dallas Programs |
| Kevin Pailet | Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC | President, Dallas Office |
| Ben Kohlmann | McKinsey & Company, Inc. | Senior Associate |
| John Phillips | Methodist Dallas Medical Center | President |
| James Ray | MetLife Investment Management | Director, Real Estate Acquisitions and Developments |
| Emily Somerville | MV Transportation, Inc. | VP, Associate General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
| Sana Syed | Nicholas Residential | Executive Vice President, Community Outreach & Development |
| Geoff Bailey | Oncor | Chief of Staff |
| Megan Rossi | PwC | Assurance Director |
| Sara Garcia Duran | Sidley Austin LLP | Partner |
| JJ Ponce | Texas Capital Bank | Senior Vice President, Community Development |
| Samantha Dwinell | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Vice President, Human Resources |
| Chris Carter | Toyota Motor North America | Senior Manager – Product Planning & Strategy |
| Nicole Little | Turner Construction Company | Project Executive |
| Abigail Williams | United to Learn | Founder and Executive Director |
| Nakia Douglas | University of North Texas at Dallas | Executive Director: TRIO and Pre Collegiate Programs |
| Diane McGhee | UT Southwestern Medical Center | Director, Advancement Operations |
| Priscilla Barbour | Vistra Energy | Manager, Federal and State Advocacy |
| Edward Franklin | Voice of Hope Ministries | President/CEO |
| Aracely Rios | Weaver | Assurance Partner |
| Brendon Riley | Wells Fargo | Dallas Market Executive – Commercial Banking |
| Jenny Lyon | WFAA-TV | Executive Producer |
| Howard Mudrick | Winstead PC | Executive Director |
For more Leadership Dallas information visit: www.dallaschamber.org/leadership
***
About the Dallas Regional Chamber
The Dallas Regional Chamber is one of the most established business organizations in the nation and serves as the voice of business and the champion of economic development and growth in the Dallas Region. We work with our member companies and regional partners to strengthen our business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, improving our educational system, attracting talented workers from around the world, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Our goal is to make Dallas the best place in the United States to live, work, and do business. For more information, please contact the DRC at 214.746.6600 or visit www.dallaschamber.org.