There’s not much in life that compares to the joy that comes from giving during the holiday season, especially when the end result is a child who feels included and appreciated. You can be a part of the magic when you join Irving Schools Foundation in Caring & Sharing, our annual holiday gift drive and distribution program benefiting students in Irving ISD.
Christina Mathis provides leadership, strategic direction and direct administrative responsibility for all aspects of financial operations, clinical quality outcomes and patient experience for Medical City Las Colinas, a 99-bed acute care hospital with more than 500 employees. The hospital offers comprehensive services, including cardiovascular, orthopedic and spine surgery, robotic surgery, neurology, women’s services and a neonatal ICU (NICU). She is passionate about investing in students and has previously served on the Plano ISD Education Foundation board.
With over two decades of experience in Human Resources, Dawn Hicks is a seasoned HR professional known for building strong, people-centered workplaces. Throughout her 20+ year career, she has led initiatives across talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, and building workplace culture —always with a focus on aligning people strategies with business goals. Beyond the executive table, Dawn has a deep-rooted commitment to service. She actively supports community programs, mentors emerging professionals, and partners with local organizations to create opportunities for underserved populations. Her ability to blend strategic HR leadership with a heart for service sets her apart as a leader who not only drives results but also uplifts those around her. Whether she’s guiding companies through change or helping individuals find their path, Dawn brings integrity, empathy, and purpose to everything she does.
Mary Anne’s bio coming soon!
Daniela’s bio coming soon!
ISF Committee: Finance Committee
JJ Jagannathan is the Vice President of Product Management at Cotality Insurance Solutions. Prior to this, he served in senior product leadership roles, building and growing software and analytics businesses for the P&C insurance industry.
He has served as a strategic advisor to several innovative startups. In his free time, JJ enjoys working on community leadership initiatives in the Dallas metro area.
ISF Committee: Gala Committee
Kellen Macatee brings 28 years of global business experience in the areas of marketing and sales in software and consulting across multiple verticals. Her current role is Sr Client Executive with Gartner.
She has served on multiple committees for the Las Colinas Four Seasons Golf & Sports Club as well as the Nelson Golf & Sports Club.
Kellen is a graduate of Texas Tech University and is a 28 year resident of Las Colinas. She enjoys spending time with her 14 year old son Thomas where they can be found at the Nelson, on the TPC course or enjoying local restaurants.
ISF Committee: Spark Tank Committee
Sid is a Senior Vice President and Irving Market President for Truist Financial Corporation.
Sid brings over 20 years of commercial banking experience across various industries and markets. He leads all aspects of business development, originations & servicing while also acting as a Trusted Advisor to both commercial & middle market companies in North Texas.
Sid earned his B.S. in Economics from Fergusson College and completed his MBA and post graduate studies from The University of Dallas and Southern Methodist University respectively.
Outside of work, Sid enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
ISF Committees: Golf Committee, Gala Committee, Sip & Stroll Committee, Food for Thought Committee
Misty joined Cotality in 2012 and has held various key positions throughout her tenure, including roles as a Quality Trainer, Quality Assurance professional, Leadership positions and currently as a professional on the Compliance Team.
Currently, she serves as a Chair for the Dallas Connect team, where she is responsible for organizing events that foster engagement, promote work-life balance, and create a sense of fun for the 1,300 employees on campus. In addition, Misty is the event Chair for the employee resource group LatinX, where she works to educate the campus on the rich cultural heritage of the LatinX community.
Passionate about volunteering and philanthropy, Misty is dedicated to raising awareness for various organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
ISF Committees: Golf Committee, Supplies for Success Committee, Caring and Sharing Committee, Food for Thought Committee
Carol Robinson has been a happy resident of Irving since 2012.
Her career includes 34 years in the financial services sector with focus on mortgage lending and credit risk.
She is passionate about youth empowerment, homelessness, food insecurity and domestic abuse.
Tiffany’s bio coming VERY soon!
ISF Committees: Spark Tank, Golf
Dave is the Vice President of Event Programming & Marketing for American Airlines Center.
Dave brings over 20 years of event experience in music and sports entertainment space. He oversees the booking and marketing for all third party events at AAC as well as work with the Dallas Mavericks & Dallas Stars scheduling games/events. Dave also continues to feed his love of music and entrepreneur spirit with his own entertainment company.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys traveling abroad, golf, hiking National Parks, and live entertainment
ISF Committee: Gala Committee
Jessica Ragsdale is a Senior Analyst at Toyota Motors North America, where she leads change management initiatives, oversees stakeholder engagement, and drives data-backed decision-making to enhance product prioritization and fulfillment efficiency.
She is originally from Mexico, and moved to Texas in 2017 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management from The University of Texas at Dallas. After completing her program, she worked 3 years for a nonprofit healthcare system in Irving doing Supply Chain Analytics, and then transitioned to her current role at Toyota.
Jessica is passionate about volunteer work, especially the one benefiting children or education. That is why, when she learned about ISF’s work, she could immediately relate to their mission and wanted to be a part of it.
During her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and two year old son. She also enjoys doing pilates, and traveling every chance she gets.
ISF Committees: Golf, Marketing & Development
Ruby Bui is a Project Coordinator at the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
A proud Irving native, she graduated from Irving High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Victim Studies from Sam Houston State University.
Passionate about community service, Ruby also serves as a board member for the Irving Family Advocacy Center and is dedicated to giving back in every way possible.
ISF Committees: Finance Committee, Marketing & Development Committee, Spark Tank Committee, Golf Committee
Lauren Campbell joined the Irving Schools Foundation Board in 2025 having previously contributed to various community engagement initiatives. She currently serves as the Vice President of Investor Relations at the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, which actively supports and empowers local business and non-profits.
Lauren has lived in the DFW area since 2022 and is a proud Navy veteran. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active and exploring new restaurants. As a single mother to a teenager, Lauren understands the challenges of raising the next generation and is passionate about creating opportunities for students to succeed.
At the Chamber, Lauren encourages investors to live, work, and play in Irving, recognizing the vital role that schools and student success play in this motto. She is committed to helping Irving ISD students, parents, teachers, and administrators thrive, reflecting her dedication to community involvement and educational excellence.
TaKeisha Campbell joined CoreLogic in 2003, where she has held multiple positions within the company such as Professional Accountant, Operations Supervisor and now as a Professional, Human Resources. She is a part of the CoreLogic Connect team which consists of 4 Pillars, Live More, Play More, Learn More & Give More. TaKeisha is the Chair of CoreLogic’s Give More Pillar, which helps to promote, organize, and facilitate volunteer and charitable giving opportunities that help people while fostering teamwork and connection in the workplace for over 1,800 employees at the Dallas Campus. Through the Give More Pillar she has established multiple philanthropic relationships within the community and is driven to help others and drive engagement for all involved.
TaKeisha currently holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Texas A& M University – Commerce and is pursuing her SHRM CP certification.
Elizabeth Kern serves as the Director, Supply Chain of Micropac Industries, Inc, an aerospace electronics manufacturer providing mission critical products to the space, aerospace, military, medical, and industrial markets. In her role as Director, Elizabeth is responsible for all aspects of the supply chain including contract negotiations, disruption mitigation, production planning, source selection, and legal compliance. Elizabeth supports employee development through mentoring, training, education and career coaching.
Elizabeth developed a passion for business as a young girl watching her parents build a thriving business. Her core business values were established through watching her mother and father build and run a business, nurture their employees, help the community, all while balancing the challenges of raising a family. She truly embraces a “win – win” philosophy, believing that in all aspects of life, success is measured in balancing one’s passion with the ambitions of others.
Elizabeth has progressed through increasing levels of responsibility supporting and managing purchasing, production planning, Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) implementations, and Government audits.
Elizabeth earned her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Dallas, successfully presenting her team capstone project.
Elizabeth lives in Irving with her husband, Joel, and their two daughters.
Brian Summers has lived in Irving almost his entire life. He attended Brandenburg Elementary, Travis Middle School, and graduated from MacArthur High School.
Brian has worked for Consolidated Electrical Distributors since 2011. He’s been the owner of a bartending service for more than 40 years and enjoys playing Santa Claus during Christmas holidays.
ISF Committees: Breakfast with The Stars, Caring & Sharing, Supplies for Success, Spark Tank
Vianey Mansoori is a former elementary and middle school educator who has lived in Irving for over 30 years.
As a volunteer and board member with the Irving School Foundation, Vianey has spent time understanding the educational priorities and challenges of the Irving community. She is passionate about advancing educational and leadership opportunities for all students.
She has three daughters and enjoys traveling, reading, yoga, and spending time with her family in her free time.
ISF Committees: Marketing & Development, Spark Tank, Gala, Golf
Christine is the Vice President Private Banking Officer for Frost Bank at the Las Colinas location. She is a Certified Wealth Strategist that assists her clients with all their financial needs including, banking, lending, and retirement planning. She has been at Frost for almost 2 years, but in the banking industry for over 20.
Christine is passionate about supporting the community and has served on multiple boards in the state of North Carolina where she resided for over 20 years. Her focus has always been on supporting families and children, which is what drew her to ISF.
When she is not serving her clients and the community, Christine loves to spend time with her family. She assists her husband, Greg, with his Bourbon and Barrels business and is often out bourbon hunting to find elusive bottles on the weekends. She enjoys hanging out with friends and sharing good food and drinks to unwind. When she needs to just relax, you will find her with her nose in a book or on the computer adding a chapter or two to the sequel of her published novel, “Untouchable.”
Teresa is a proud born and raised Texan. She attended schools in Arlington, TX and graduated from Lamar High School in 2001 (go Vikings!). She received a Professional Computer Secretary Diploma from Iverson Business School in 2002 and attended Tarrant County College where she earned her Associates Degree in Office Administration in 2007.
Before joining ISF in 2024, she worked for 20 years with the best firefighters in Texas (maybe the whole United States but we may be biased) here in Irving. She loves to meet new people and go to new places. Her favorite trips are her annual summer and winter road trips with her niece and nephew. Her free time is well spent with her wonderful family.
In her role with ISF, Teresa will serve many roles, including serving as your main point of contact for any questions or assistance you might have so you will get to know her fast!
Ashley’s bio coming VERY soon!
Bethlyn is a native to the Wise County area and holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in Elementary Education from Tarleton State University.
Bethlyn comes to Irving Schools Foundation with a background in teaching. Prior to her time with ISF, she taught in Irving ISD at Elliott Elementary for 6 years. She also has experience in Irving ISD as a swim instructor for the district’s Swim Safe program. Bethlyn’s main passions include helping the community and teaching others.
Bethlyn lives in Bedford with her husband, Dillon, and 2 cats, Gadget and Gizmo. Her hobbies include swimming, reading, baking, crafting, exercising, and caring for her plant collection.
Bethlyn is a native to the Wise County area and holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in Elementary Education from Tarleton State University.
Bethlyn comes to Irving Schools Foundation with a background in teaching. Prior to her time with ISF, she taught in Irving ISD at Elliott Elementary for 6 years. She also has experience in Irving ISD as a swim instructor for the district’s Swim Safe program. Bethlyn’s main passions include helping the community and teaching others.
Bethlyn lives in Bedford with her husband, Dillon, and 2 cats, Gadget and Gizmo. Her hobbies include swimming, reading, baking, crafting, exercising, and caring for her plant collection.
Adriana Vincent is the Marketing and Development Manager for the Irving Schools Foundation. A proud graduate of Irving ISD, Adriana was awarded an Irving Schools Foundation Scholarship, which she used to pursue her passion for communications at Abilene Christian University. She earned her bachelors degree in Advertising and Public Relations and has since dedicated her career to giving back to the community that shaped her.
Adriana is passionate about supporting Irving ISD students and ensuring they have the same opportunities that once helped her succeed. Through her work with ISF, she helps drive meaningful initiatives that impact the lives of students, teachers, and families across the district.
Outside of her professional role, Adriana enjoys spending quality time with her family, taking walks with her two golden retrievers, and traveling with her husband!
Margie Stipes has been an Irving resident since 1955. She and her late husband, John, raised three children together, Randy, now deceased, Larry, and Stacie. Margie worked 30 years as a secretary at American Airlines, receiving the company’s Customer First Award.
She has been active in schools and the community, serving on several bond program committees and with the city’s Charter Review Committee. Margie was president of the Nimitz High School Booster Club for several years and has been a longtime member of both the Keep Irving Beautiful Board and the Irving Schools Foundation Board of Directors.
Margie’s accolades include the High Spirited Citizen Award, Greater Irving Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, Irving Schools Foundation Gala Award, and multiple local and national PTA awards for extended service. In 2014, she was inducted into the Irving Sports Hall of Fame. Margie is honored to be a namesake for IISD’s John and Margie Stipes Elementary School in south Irving.
Randy Randle is a lifelong resident of Irving. He attended Otis Brown Elementary School, Bowie Junior High School and graduated from Nimitz High School. Randy attended The University of Texas at Arlington and received a Business Administration degree in accounting.
Mr. Randle has been married to Lynda for 28 years and has two sons who attended Irving Schools. Randy has long been serving in leadership roles in both our schools and our community. He has served as PTA fundraising chairman, Band Booster president and chairman of baseball concessions for the Booster Club. Randy has served on two campus improvement committees and the District Improvement Committee.
Randy served on the Irving City Council for six years and was chairman of the finance committee. He also served as chairman of the City of Irving Bond Task Force.
Randy has attended the same church for 66 years and serves as a trustee, as well as chairman of the building committee. Randy works in the family business, which has been in Irving for 60 years.
ISF Committees: Executive Committee, Spark Tank Committee
He received the Volunteer of the Year Award at Texas Capital Bank for three years running before retiring.
Andy volunteered at the Resource Center Community Health Clinic (12 Years), the AT&T Performing Arts Center (6 years), Make a Wish Foundation (5 years), Oak Lawn United Methodist Church Administrative Board (1 year) and the Dallas Titans (9 years), a local softball team where he has coordinated raising over $150,000 to give back to the community in the form of back-to-school supplies, food for a local food pantry and sending children with cancer to summer camp.
Andy has raised over $40,000 for the Dallas Multiple Sclerosis Walk for a Cure over the last four years.
Andy has a Masters Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelors Degree from Winthrop University.
Kitty has held many leadership positions throughout her 55 years in Irving, TX including founding and serving as past chair for the Community College Association for Texas Trustees. Kitty is presently Chair of the board for the Ranch Academy, a charter school, where she have served on the board since 1998.
All six of her children graduated from IISD as have five of Kitty’s grandchildren as well. In 2011, Kitty and her husband John were named the Irving High Spirited Citizens. Kitty has a genuine heart for the citizens of Irving and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
ISF Committees: Executive Committee
Tracy McNeil is a Comparion Insurance/Liberty Mutual Insurance. Prior, she retired from Enterprise Rent a Car after 27 years, with her achievements ranking her repeatedly in the top 10% nationwide.
In 2015, Tracy joined the Irving Schools Foundation Board of Directors before taking on the role of Secretary.
ISF Committees: Executive Committee, People Operations Committee
A season HR professional with extensive and progressive experience across diverse industries, including manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and service organizations. Excels in leadership development, strategic planning, change management, training and employee relations. He is particularly adept at providing strategic advice to leaders and operational manager, fostering company culture, management talent and mediating disputes.
Roger has supported various industries, brining a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each role. His ability to adapt and thrive in different environments has made him a valuable asset in every organization he has worked for.
Roger has a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University, with a concentration on Human Resources and Finance.
ISF Committees: Executive Committee, Board Governance & Nominations Committee, People & Operations Committee, Finance Committee
Shannon has been a member of the ISF Board since 2019, having previously held the position of Development Chair, Board Chair Elect, and Board Chair. He currently serves as the Chief Compliance Officer at Cotality, which has its largest office in Irving and is an established corporate partner of ISF.
Shannon has lived in the DFW area since 1995 and in his spare time enjoys traveling, boating, and tennis; he participates on a softball team that has raised over $150K for DFW charities over the past 13 years. While having no children of his own, Shannon is passionate about helping the Irving ISD students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
Michael Kelley grew up attending Irving ISD schools, and now he is serving them as a Trustee. He attended Townley Elementary School and Bowie Middle School and graduated from Nimitz High School in 2001. Kelley worked in manufacturing for 17 years and has been a realtor in Irving for six years. He and his wife, Stefanie, have two sons – a 10-year-old who attends Farine Elementary School and a 3-year-old who will enroll in the district’s tuition-based PreK program at Clifton Early Childhood School.
In addition to his role on the Irving ISD school board, Kelley also serves his community in the following ways: neighborhood association president, vice president of the Irving-Las Colinas ABMUCS and youth baseball coach. He also served on the Irving Parks and Recreation Vision Committee. He has been a member of Fellowship Church for 15 years and serves on the church greeting team.
Michelle is a dedicated school counselor with 15 years of experience in Irving, where she has had the privilege of serving and supporting students and their families. She is passionate about fostering the success and well-being of scholars in her community.
As an educator, she values the role the Irving Schools Foundation has played in her professional journey, enhancing her ability to make a positive impact. Michelle is proud to serve as a board member, contributing to ISF’s mission and furthering its support of the district’s students.
Her commitment to education and the community drives her continued involvement in this important work.
ISF Committees: Marketing & Development Committee, People and Operations Committee, Executive Committee
Brook Tretter is the current Chair Elect and has been a dedicated board member since 2020. She is deeply passionate about education as the foundation of a strong and thriving community. Guided by a heartfelt commitment to “supporting the whole student”, Brook advocates for programs that nurture not only academic success but also the emotional and social well-being of every child.
Her dedication is driven by a deep sense of empathy and a belief that every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances. She is devoted to fostering community engagement, building meaningful connections, and driving positive, lasting outcomes that uplift both students and families.
Reena Patel is a Canadian native who graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelors of science in Business Management and Marketing. After moving to Dallas, Reena worked in the business field and later joined her various family businesses concentrating on the hospitality and marketing sectors. In recent years, Reena decided to make a change and spend most of her time taking care of her family as well as volunteering among many Charities and Foundations across DFW. She is also a board member for Able Faith, a foundation built to support and build hope for the under-reached community of people with neurological and physical disabilities. As an ISF Board Member, Reena sits on various committees within ISF from Developmental to Special Program Grants offered from. She is very delighted to join the ISF Team and hopes to bring her business knowledge as well as philanthropies experience to the Foundation.
Andrew Knowlton, a 16-year Irving resident, is a driven professional who was recently appointed to the Irving Schools Foundation’s board of directors. He is currently employed at Spectrum Enterprise as a Program Manager, where he leads cross-functional teams and projects that drive business growth.
Andrew is a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur in addition to his professional accomplishments. He co-owns the Irving, TX-based Elite Dance Company of Texas with his wife Tiffany, where they provide top-notch dance education and training to students of all ages. Andrew and Tiffany are also the founders of the nonprofit EDCT Cares Inc whose mission is to inspire a lifelong passion for performing arts by providing dance and theater opportunities to children without access.
Andrew brings a love for education and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of students to the Irving Schools Foundation as a new board director. With his diverse background and wealth of experience, he is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the Foundation’s mission and vision.
Michael’s bio coming VERY soon!
Dr. Kristi Dorman has 28 years of experience in the educational field as a teacher, instructional technologist, and as a building and district administrator.
Currently, she works for an education technology firm where she continues to advocate for teachers.
Darin Furbush is a Branch Manager at Link Staffing Service and has been working there for 23 years. He is also a graduate of MacArthur High School and the University of Texas at Arlington.
ISF Committees: Finance Committee, Executive Committee
Soniya has been a member of the ISF Board since 2021. She currently serves as the Dealer and Aftermarket Lead at Wells Fargo Auto, which will be located in the heart of Las Colinas/ Irving beginning Q2 2025 at the newly developed building.
Soniya earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2005. She earned her Masters of Business Administration degree with a focus in Strategic Leadership from the University of Dallas in 2011.
Soniya spent the majority of her life in the DFW area with the last 15 years in Irving from 2009-2024. In her spare time, Soniya enjoys spending time with her 2 children, traveling, music, and has recently become an avid pickleball player. She believes that every child should be given a chance at a great education as the building block for a successful future.
Chris Moore was born and raised in Irving and graduated from Irving High School in 2000. He earned an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from North Lake College and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of North Texas, with a minor in History and a Latin/Mexican American Studies certification.
Chris taught four years at Lady Bird Johnson Middle School before joining the Irving Schools Foundation. His hobbies include reading, playing video games, and disc golf.
Born and raised in Irving, Gabriel is excited to bring his love for the community to #TeamISF. After working for the Irving YMCA for 12 years in the youth development and wellness departments, he now looks forward to making ISF programs known throughout the community.
ISF Committees: Teacher Advisory Council, Spark Tank
Lori Sims has been involved with ISF for many years in a variety of roles both as a teacher at MacArthur High School and a member of the community. As an audio video production teacher, her students have created videos and slideshows for different events for the foundation over a number of years.
She has served as a volunteer for the Breakfast with the Stars for more than 15 years. Lori has a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Hardin-Simmons University, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction-Technology from Grand Canyon University.
She leads the Career and Technology Department at MacArthur as a Co-Department Chair and is currently serving as a Teacher Representative for the ISF board.
ISF Committees: Executive Committee
Michael R. Huebner is a full-time Associate Judge at the Irving Municipal Court, and an attorney/owner at The Law Office of Michael R. Huebner, PLLC. Also, he is the Vice President of Trinity Casting Service, Inc.
Michael is a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Navy Reserve and a member of the board of the Friends of the Texas State Veterans Memorial at Fair Park.
Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology at Texas A&M University, a Master of Business Administration degree in Business Management at the University of Dallas, teaching certificates in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Earth Science at the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Juris Doctor degree at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, now Texas A&M University School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas since 2011.
As resident of Irving since 1962, Michael attended A.S. Johnston Elementary School, Travis Jr. High School, and MacArthur High School. He taught Physics and Chemistry at Nimitz High School for 11 years.
Michael has been General Counsel for the Irving Schools Foundation, Inc. since 2016.
Magda Hernández, a long-serving Irving ISD employee, was named Superintendent of Schools for the Irving Independent School District in December 2018.
Hernández began her career in the district more than 25 years ago as a bilingual aide before earning her teaching degree from Texas Woman’s University (TWU). Hernández was then a Bilingual and Gifted and Talented teacher at Good and Townley elementary schools before being promoted to Assistant Principal at Townley. She then moved up to the Administration Building, where she has served as Human Resources Staffing and Recruiting Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services.
Hernández also held the position of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in Waxahachie ISD. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from TWU. She holds Superintendent Certification from the University of North Texas.
Hernández currently serves as Region 10 Human Resources Advisory Board Member and District IV Representative for the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA). In addition, she serves on the boards of Texas Workforce Solutions and Texas School Alliance.
Crystal Ramirez-Scanio serves as the President & CEO of the Irving Schools Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the students and teachers in Irving ISD. In her role as Executive Director, she is tasked with raising money to support projects and initiatives for which tax dollars cannot be expended, such as innovative classroom projects, scholarships, and funding for valuable learning tools.
Prior to joining the Irving Schools Foundation in 2012, Crystal served in many leadership roles in the Financial and Insurance industries. Formerly with Merrill Lynch in Irving, Crystal spearheaded recruitment events and marketing campaigns while managing relationships with current and potential clients. While at Merrill Lynch Crystal developed a passion for working with others and for helping individuals and businesses identify solutions to their financial needs. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, she was a top sales producer for AXA Advisors in Dallas, Texas.
Crystal earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Texas Tech University and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Southern Methodist University.
Crystal is very passionate about the success of her community and has volunteered for a variety of organizations that promote the advancement of women and children in the DFW area. Crystal serves as President-Elect of the Irving Las Colinas Rotary Club Board of Directors, serves on the Board of Directors of La Cima Club as the Chair of the Membership Council, serves on the Dallas Council for Texas Association of Business, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Irving International Women’s Consortium.
In 2012, Crystal was named by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of their “Top 25 Young Latino Leaders in DFW” because of her commitment to the betterment of the DFW community. In 2013, Crystal was awarded the Women of ALPFA (Association of Latin Professionals in Finance and Accounting) Latina Achievement Award and in 2014, she was honored to have received the 2014 Diversity Ambassador National Award from Nissan Americas. Crystal is a graduate of Leadership Irving and is currently participating in Leadership North Texas. In 2016, Crystal was selected to serve as an Ambassador for the Women’s Leadership Live Conference.
Crystal lives in Irving with her husband, Tony, and their daughter.
ISF Committee: Spark Tank
Patty Brauer has been a Board Member of ISF for more than eight years. She is the former Finance Director of the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and now runs her own business specializing in event design and financial services.
She is passionate about helping nonprofits by creating event décor that enhances their gatherings and fundraisers.
Kay Branch joins Team ISF after 54 years with Irving ISD as a teacher, counselor, and most recently a Guest Educator. She has volunteered for ISF for at least 15 years and is passionate about what it means to Irving students.
Diana Pfaff is the Vice President of Market Communications at Irving Conventions and Visitors Bureau.
Since 2012, Diana has held a board chair for the Dallas Fort Worth Human Society which is a nonprofit organization that gives homeless and unwanted pets a second chance.
ISF Committees: C2C Store Chair and Manager, Food For Thought
Gwen Craig was born in Pampa Texas and spent her first 16 years there. She moved to Irving at 16 and enrolled in Irving High School, where she received her diploma. Gwen is a retired educator who spent 20 years serving as teacher’s aide, a Special Education teacher, and a school counselor. From 2010-2013, she served as a trustee for Irving ISD. She continues to serve in education as a board member for Irving Schools Foundation and has done so since 2013. Her true passion is maximizing educational opportunities for students and staff in Irving ISD.
Gwen has served in leadership roles in local and district organizations of Irving Retired Personel Association and Association of Texas Professional Educators. She served as Board Chair for Irving School’s Foundation and is currently serving as Chair of the C2C Store. Teachers can make an appointment to come and get supplies for themselves and their students.
Gwen enjoys walking and reading, as well as spending time traveling with her husband, Larry. They enjoy spending time with their three children and twelve grandchildren.
Julie Hillman worked the first 10 years of her career as a public relations practitioner in Utah, and was a public relations manager for the Coalition for Utah’s Future during the launch of its “Envision Utah” project, a public/private community partnership that has been used as a model for community partnerships throughout the US.
Afterwards, she taught for three years as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University before changing her career to be a full-time, stay-home mother to her four young children.
After moving to Irving, Texas in 2014, Julie discovered a passion for real estate and became a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Winans in the DFW area. Julie has received numerous awards for her accomplishments as a realtor and has been recognized as a top producer by both North Dallas Real Producers and D Magazine.
She and her husband Chris are the parents of four daughters, all of whom have graduated from schools in Irving ISD. Julie has been involved for many years in programs that benefit youth within local community and church organizations.
ISF Committees: Executive Committee, Gala
After founding and building her own company to over $250 million in assets and selling it successfully for dramatically more than most people could even imagine.
Christina is now a Nationally Renowned Speaker and Luminary in the Consulting World, working with businesses that want consistent and rapid business growth.
Quoted in numerous publications including Forbes, interviewed on William Shatner’s Moving America Forward Show, and recipient of a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, many have also heard her on a nostalgic locally famous KRLD Show in Dallas, TX.
World-renowned for her program, The Revolution of Achievement: 7 Secrets of Leading with Outrageous Vision, Building Sales Superstars, and Discovering Purpose-Driven Success, Christina has spoken for numerous top organizations such as, We Lead, GILC, and Lincoln Investment.
Some of her over 100 awards and accolades include:
ISF Committees: Breakfast with The Stars, Caring & Sharing, Spark Tank, Employee Enrichment Grants
Mary Sue Daniel is the Client Liaison at Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP.
Andrew Licon has been a board member since January 2015. After spending 15 years as a wealth adviser with a local regional bank’s brokerage and trust departments, Andrew joined Merrill Lynch in 2022.
He values hard work and is dedicated to his job which makes him an important part of the Irving Schools Foundation board.
ISF Committees: Finance Committee
Max S. Duplant is a consultant and Certified Public Accountant who previously served as Assistant City Manager and CFO for the City of Irving, with prior CFO roles in Beaumont and Groves. Earlier in her career, she was a part-owner of a CPA firm in Port Arthur, Texas, and served as Audit Partner overseeing audits for retail, manufacturing, nonprofit, and governmental entities. Max holds a BBA from Lamar University and contributed to the City of Irving’s Strategic Planning team, which earned the Malcolm Baldrige Award. She has held leadership roles in numerous professional organizations including the AICPA, GFOAT, and the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA), where she currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Dallas chapter.
Max’s extensive volunteer work includes service on boards for the Irving Schools Foundation, Irving Las Colinas Rotary Club, Church of the Incarnation, Irving Arts Board, and Bloom Pregnancy Assistance Center. She is a Past District Governor of Rotary District 5810 and has been recognized with several honors, including AICPA’s Outstanding CPA in Government and TXCPA’s CPA of the Year in 2025. She has also been named “Young CPA of the Year,” “CPA of the Year,” and was a finalist for the Dallas Business Journal’s CFO of the Year. In her free time, Max enjoys traveling, competitive dancing, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Phil Meaders is the Vice President of Lockwood Andrews and Newnam. Mr. Meaders has constructed many of the Dart Rails in the Dallas- Fort Worth area. From 2002 to 2006 Phil was a Scoutmaster for the Boys Scouts of America and from 2012-2014 he was a Trustee at the Lovers Lane United Methodist Church.
Sarah Thomas is a Senior National Account Executive for American Solutions for Business – a marketing company that focuses on print, promotional products and apparel. In 2010, she moved from Philadelphia to Texas and has lived in Irving Texas for more than a decade and has been on the ISF board for nearly that long! When she isn’t working on Irving Schools Foundation projects or selling items with logos on them… Sarah enjoys all things related to food, fitness and fun!
