Experienced Dallas Non-profit Leader Diaz Set to Lead Texas’ First Community Foundation as it Marches Towards its Centennial in 2029
DALLAS (March 18, 2024) – The Dallas Foundation announced today that it has selected Julie Diaz as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Upon the completion of a rigorous national search facilitated by executive search firm Spencer Stuart, the Foundation’s Board of Governors unanimously selected Diaz at a special meeting on March 18, 2024.
Diaz joined The Dallas Foundation in 2019 as Vice President of Philanthropic Partnerships and was then promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. In May 2023, Julie was appointed to serve as Interim President & CEO upon the departure of former CEO Matthew Randazzo, who now leads the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
“Over the past 10 months, Julie has skillfully managed The Dallas Foundation through an executive transition, guaranteeing organizational stability, seamless operations, and faithful stewardship of the Foundation’s most trusted relationships. Amidst strong competition for the position, Julie became the front-runner in a large pool of highly qualified candidates and was ultimately selected after careful consideration following a search which began last fall,” said Dallas Foundation Board Chair Lydia Addy. “Being able to envision the path forward is an important part of the job of a CEO but equally important is a commitment to the successful execution of the work, day in and day out. The Board recognized Julie’s unique ability to manage both the internal and external demands of the job and saw in Julie a deep passion and commitment to the organization’s mission and its talented and loyal staff. We are so fortunate to have one of the most gifted non-profit executives in North Texas to lead the Foundation through its Centennial Anniversary and position it for another century of service to Dallas.”
Approaching $600 million in total assets across 700 funds, The Dallas Foundation has connected the incredibly generous people of Dallas to the causes they care about—improving lives and making visible progress right here in North Texas. The Dallas Foundation’s hallmark is engaging with donors on a deeply personal level—educating, advising, collaborating, and investing in creative and measurable solutions to the problems facing our most vulnerable neighbors.
“I am honored and excited to lead The Dallas Foundation at such a momentous time in its history,” said Diaz. “For nearly a century, The Dallas Foundation has provided philanthropic support across Greater Dallas by championing solutions and providing much needed support to our community’s most pressing needs. As a values-driven leader, I remain committed to fostering relationships built on trust, engaging authentically with our community, and growing the charitable resources entrusted to the Foundation so that we can continue to make a difference right here at home. I am truly grateful to the Board of Governors for their confidence and support and am eager to begin charting a bold future towards our Centennial Anniversary and beyond.”
Diaz’s career in the nonprofit sector spans 35 years, the last five of which she led critical updates to The Dallas Foundation’s operations and philanthropic partnerships while overseeing contributions and grantmaking. Her attention to guiding important relationships with donors and fundholders, streamlining organizational efficiencies and professional services has been pivotal to the success and long-term sustainability of the organization.
Diaz, a long-time resident of Dallas, has held significant leadership roles across a range of flagship organizations including The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Greenhill School, Southern Methodist University, The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and WGBH Educational Foundation. Julie cares deeply about the many issues facing children and families, among them basic needs, mental health, and educational opportunities for everyone. She has an MBA from Boston University with a focus on non-profit management.
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 $1B to the full spectrum of community-centered causes.
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