EarthX
Nathan Loftice, Chief Executive Officer
EarthX founder and real estate leader Trammell Crow has promoted Nathan Loftice from executive vice president of sustainability events and services to lead the nonprofit environmental organization as CEO. Prior to formally joining EarthX in February, Loftice had long served as an advisory and volunteer to the organization. He previously worked as director of business sustainability, planning, and permitting with Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF for seven years. Prior to that, he served as worldwide leader of environmental affairs and sustainability and senior manager of global supply chains for FedEx, guiding the company’s sustainable supply chains and advising on sustainable business operations strategy.
Education: The University of Texas at Austin (B.S.)
Genuine Article
Brian Sweany, Principal
Former editor-in-chief of Texas Monthly Brian Sweany will take on the first senior leadership role at Genuine Article, a public relations firm founded by former Richards Group leaders. Most recently, he served as founding partner at Austin-based Upward Strategy Group. In his new role, Sweany will oversee Genuine Article’s staff and clients.
Education: The University of Texas at San Antonio (M.A.), University of North Texas (B.A.)
Dallas County Heritage Society
Michael Meadows, Interim Chief Executive Officer
In his role as interim CEO, Michael Meadows will lead the transformation of Old City Park, Dallas’ first public park and one of downtown’s largest green spaces, from a living history museum to a free public park that celebrates the history of North Texas. Meadows previously served as president and CEO of the Dallas Zoological Society for 14 years. During his tenure, he privatized the management of the Dallas Zoo and helped transform it into one of the nation’s top 10 zoological parks. He is also the president and CEO of his
Education: The University of Texas at Austin (B.A.)
Studio 11 Design
Stacy Elliston, Stepping Down
Stacy Elliston, co-founder and principal of interior design firm Studio 11—the company behind design for Fort Worth chef Tim Love’s newest restaurants and many more Dallas designs—has stepped away from leading the firm. Her fellow co-founder and principal, Kellie Sirna, will take over full leadership of the company and guide it in a new direction. Prior to her work with Studio 11, Elliston worked for hospitality firm Duncan & Miller Design, as the director of business development, PR, marketing and design.
Education: University of North Texas (B.A.)
Biote
Samar Kamdar, Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Samar Kamdar will oversee hormone optimization company Biote’s financial operations, driving revenue growth and profitability. Before joining Biote, he was chief financial officer at North Texas-based SAAS company Slync.io and tax prep companyTaxAct. He has also held financial leadership roles at Crossmark and PepsiCo.
Education: Baylor University (B.S), University of Texas (MBA)
Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Chris Dikovics, Chef de Cuisine
In his new role, Chris Dikovics will focus on the composition of dishes at Four Season’s Las Colinas restaurants Law, Outlaw Taproom, seasonal venue Agave Bar & Grill, as well as the resort’s in-room dining program. Lighter, more composed, and beautifully presented dishes are steady themes throughout, created from hyper-seasonal ingredients from Texas when possible. Dikovics had previously been tapped for the opening of Carbone’s Dallas. Prior to that, he held a culinary leadership role at Thomas Keller’s Per Se restaurant and worked as rapper Drake’s private chef.
BOK Financial
Taylor Russ, Senior Vice President and Managing Director
Taylor Russ joined BOK Financial in 2007, most recently serving as senior vice president of the National Senior Housing Group. He was promoted, adding managing director to his title in August. The National Senior Housing Group in Dallas provides construction and bridge and acquisition financing for private-pay independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities nationwide. Russ will continue to be based at the company’s Sherry Lane location in Dallas.
Education: Southern Methodist University (BBA)
ZaLat Pizza
Tricia Sims, Vice President of Research and Development and Marketing Support
Tricia Sims has been with Dallas-based pizza brand Zalat since 2019, leading the development of many menu staples, including the company’s top-seller. In her new role, she will manage Zalat’s social media, PR, and marketing teams, and oversee marketing and new product roll outs. Previously, she held roles as the executive assistant to CEO Khanh Nguyen and his chief of staff.
Education: The Culinary Institute of America (AOS)
Riveron
Dabie Tsai, Accounting Advisory Practice Leader
Dabie Tsai most recently worked at CrossCountry Consulting, where she served as its West Region leader and San Francisco office managing partner. Prior to that, she was with KPMG for 23 years and held a variety of lead roles as partner in the firm’s audit practice.
Education: The University of British Columbia (B.S.)
Premier
Linh Tran, Director of Architectural Design
In his new role, Tran will provide planning expertise to Premier’s multifamily, hospitality, and student housing developments. He will be involved in the design, planning, and execution of all new-build development and renovation projects across the firm. Prior to joining Premier, Tran worked at RTKL, HKS Architects, and Humphreys & Partners Architects. Some of Tran’s most notable projects include Legacy Park shops in Plano, TX, and the Superdome in New Orleans.
Education: The University of Texas at Austin (BArch)
Greysteel
Harrison Cole, Director, Capital Markets
Dallas-based commercial real estate investment firm Greysteel has promoted Harrison Cole from associate to director of capital markets. Cole joined the company in 2019 and has closed over $200 million in financings. Cole specializes in structured debt, mezzanine, and joint venture equity placement for multifamily, manufactured housing, and self-storage properties. He leads financial analysis for project acquisitions, refinancings, and recapitalizations and sources and executes corporate and project-level debt solutions for private and middle-market clients throughout Texas and the central United States.
Education: Texas Christian University (BBA)
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Salesmanship Club of Dallas
Tim Marron, President
Tim Marron has been a member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas for 22 years. The organization supports educational and therapeutic programs for children through the Momentous Institute. It is also the host of the AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament. Marron will lead the board during a one-year term, alongside six members elected to the following leadership positions on the Salesmanship Club of Dallas Board of Directors:
· First Vice President: Joseph Merritt, Merritt Capital Partners
· Second Vice President: M. Blair Oden, Texas Capital Bank
· Secretary: Jeffrey J. Walter, Petrus Asset Management Company
· Treasurer: R. Robert Engstrom, Darr Equipment Co.
· Momentous Institute Board Chair: Joseph Ivan Young, Lancaster Distributing
· Salesmanship Club Charitable Golf of Dallas Board Chair: Timothy Costello, Newstone Capital Partners
Education: The University of Texas at Austin (B.A.)
American Heart Association
Joe Jouvenal, Chair of 2022 Dallas Heart Walk
Chief Administrative Officer at McCarthy Holdings, Joe Jouvenal, is leading planning efforts for the American Heart Association’s annual Dallas Heart Walk. He is charged with a $ 6.2 million fundraising goal to support the AHA and the event. During the walk and its planning stages, Jouvenal will be joined by other city executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout, and promote community engagement.
Education: Virginia Tech (B.S.)
United Way of Tarrant County
Jennifer Baggs Kamacioglu, Chair of Women United Donor Network
Jennifer Baggs Kamacioglu has worked as a commercial banker for 27 years. She is currently a middle market banking head for Independent Financial. At United Way, she will lead the Women United steering committee until June 2023. In this role, she will be an ambassador and advocate for Women United and serve on the United Way of Tarrant County Board of Directors.
Education: Hillsdale College (BA)
Southwestern Medical Foundation
Jere Thompson Jr., Chairman
Jere Thompson Jr. will succeed James R. Huffines, who has served as chairman since 2019, and has recently stepped down from this position. Thompson has been an active member of the board since 1999, and in this new role, he will work closely with foundation president and CEO Kathleen Gibson to grow the organization’s impact and reach. Thompson is also the co-founder and CEO of Ambit Energy, a $1.2 billion retail energy provider.
Education: The University of Texas at Austin (MBA), Stanford University (BScEcon)
Dallas Foundation
Holly Hull Miori, Board President of Aware
Holly Hull Miori will lead the board for Aware, a component of the Dallas Foundation which awards grants to organizations that provide exemplary services to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Miori also serves as the senior director of development at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she has worked since 2013.
Education: The University of Texas at Dallas (PhD, MPA), Texas Christian University (MTS), Austin College (B.S.)
Other Aware board members for 2022–2023 include:
- Karisti Julia, as immediate past president
- Emily Collins, as treasurer
- Jack Broyles, as first vice president
- Bob Walker, as second vice president
- Carol Stabler, as recording secretary
- Mari Epperson, of membership
- Jolie Humphrey, of grant review
- Stacey Angel, of finance
- Catherine Weber, as corresponding secretary
- Veronica Shanklin, of communications and website
- Barbara Mathes, of directory
- Karen Koop, of programs-logistics
- Margo Crofford, of programs-logistics
- Gail Plummer, as grant review-elect
- Dr. Kamilia Smith, as program chair
- Rev. Nicole Bates, of inspirational
- Dr. Cindy Marshall, of inspirational
- Erin Dougherty, as volunteer coordinator
Authors
Carla McCanna
