Prominent and influential leaders to help advance the organization’s mission
DALLAS – February 12, 2025– The Dallas Foundation, established in 1929 as the first community foundation in Texas, welcomes five distinguished North Texas leaders to its Board of Governors. This diverse group brings a wealth of corporate, professional, financial, and community expertise to further The Dallas Foundation’s mission in a growing city and region.
“Each new member brings a fresh perspective and a history of success in their field, which will be essential as The Dallas Foundation works to meet the area’s changing needs,” said Julie Diaz, President & CEO of The Dallas Foundation. “Their backgrounds and leadership skills will be crucial in advancing The Dallas Foundation’s goals, encouraging innovation, and making a positive impact on the community.”
Joining The Dallas Foundation’s Board of Governors are:
Holland P. Gary is a Principal and the Chief Financial Officer of Carleton Companies and the founder and President of Salt River Capital. With over 25 years in private equity, real estate, and venture capital, he manages capital sourcing, deal structuring, and investment management. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer at Aldus Equity, a former affiliate of the RREEF division of Deutsche Bank. His career includes roles in early-stage companies and developing technologies for Fortune 500 firms. Active in the Dallas community, he served on The da Vinci School and Greenhill School boards, is a current Southwestern Medical Foundation Trustee, and serves on the Hoblitzelle Foundation board.
Cynthia Yung Leano is the President of The Koz Foundation, which promotes mental health through medical science, the arts, and the community. She previously led The Boone Family Foundation for 14 years, focusing on gender equity, education, and green spaces. Her corporate experience includes roles at Nortel in wireless telecom and North American sales. She was a founding member of the Orchid Giving Circle in 2015, serves on the Dallas Zoo board, and is a member of Dallas Assembly and Dallas Summit.
Trey Parker is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Sycamore Tree Capital Partners, overseeing $2.8 billion in alternative credit assets. He leads the investment process and portfolio management, is a senior portfolio manager, and chairs the investment committees. With over 25 years of experience in credit and private equity, his career includes positions at Highland Capital Management, Hunt Special Situations Group, BMO Merchant Banking, First Union Securities, and Morgan Stanley. He also serves on several non-profit boards, lending his strategic planning, markets, and asset management expertise.
Alex Rose has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for Ashford Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. and Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. since 2021. He possesses an extensive legal and corporate governance expertise. He has been a Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he handled complex transactions for public and private companies and private equity funds. His prior experience includes roles at Jones Day and Vinson & Elkins LLP.
Ashley Watson leads Dallas-based ad agency Commerce House, where she has brought in clients like Hawaiian Bros, Swift, Pilgrim’s Pride Chicken, JBS Foods, Nestle Skin Health, Intuit, and ASUS over the past 10 years. Her focus on strategy and digital innovation has reshaped the agency’s approach to advertising, revenue generation, and investment in people. Previously, she spent a decade on the West Coast at The Designory, leading marketing strategy for Audi of America.
The current board leaders and members will work alongside the new appointees:
- Lydia B. Addy, Chair
- Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, Vice Chair
- Robert “Bobby” Bisor
- Jamiee Eddington
- Tim C. Hafer
- Bridget Moreno Lopez
- Rev. Dr. Lael Melville
- Trevor R. Rees-Jones
- Susan Salka
- Amber Scanlan
- Joe Schloesser
- Courtney Underwood
ABOUT THE DALLAS FOUNDATION
The Dallas Foundation, established as the first community foundation in Texas in 1929, brings together people, ideas, and investments in Greater Dallas so individuals and families can reach their full potential. Over the course of the Foundation’s history, it has granted over $1.2 B to the full spectrum of community-centered causes. For more information, visit www.dallasfoundation.org, Facebook or Instagram.
###
