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Gala

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About this event

The Irving Schools Foundation Legacy Gala, one of our signature events, celebrates both the richness of Irving ISD culture and the legacy of community leaders who have made lasting contributions to our mission over an extended period of time.

The event typically takes place in late fall and includes an elegant dinner at a premium venue, a VIP reception, silent and live auctions featuring one-of-kind items, and an inspirational program. Since the Gala’s inception in 2011, proceeds from the event have generated more than $3.5 million in support of student and staff scholarships, teaching grants, and other ISF initiatives, such as Food for Thought.
The theme for each year’s Gala incorporates an international note, in recognition of the diversity of cultures that make up the population of our school district. Event sponsorship opportunities include recognition prior to/ during the event and across ISF platforms, as well as the opportunity to provide Gala or patron party tickets to your employees, customers, or other stakeholders.
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Reserve a ticket/table
Sponsorship opportunities

The Irving Schools Foundation Legacy Award

One of the centerpiece moments of our Gala is the presentation of the ISF Legacy Award, which honors individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a singular commitment to the legacy of Irving ISD through service to the Irving Schools Foundation. Previous Legacy Award recipients are:
2011
Anne & Wayne Pfaff
2012
Dr. John F. Townley
2013
Joy & ralph Ellis
2014
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the friend of isf award

In Addition to the legacy Award, the gala is also the setting for the presentation of the Friend of ISF Award, which recognizes an irving ISD team member who has gone above and beyond to support the mission of irving school Foundation:
2014
Kay Branch,
Bowie Middle School
2015
Donna Lewis,
Singley Academy
2013
Cheri Luttrell,
Stipes Elementary School
2016
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Save the date for gala 2021

November 6

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James Shackelford

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James Shackelford

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James Shackelford is the President and CEO of SommaComm Incorporation which is a communications marketing firm that creates services to fuel growth and advanced purpose. James has been a member of the IISD board for 4 years now and is also on the board for the Public Relations Society of America and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra.

Kevin Albaugh

Chair

Kevin Albaugh

Chair

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Kevin Albaugh is the Director of Finance at Northrop Grumman Corporations.

Sarah Thomas

Chair

Sarah Thomas

Chair

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Sarah Thomas is the Senior National Account Executive for American Solutions for Business. In 2018 she moved to Irving, TX to fulfill a full time sales position. Sarah has been the Vice Chair Development on the IISD Board for 1 year.

Phil Meaders

Chair-Elect

Phil Meaders

Chair-Elect

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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.

Max Duplant

Secretary

Max Duplant

Secretary

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Retired teacher, Lisa Lobb has been volunteering for the Irving Schools Foundation for over 15 years. She considers the Foundation one of the best things about Irving ISD. Lisa taught at Irving High School for 18 years where she started the video broadcasting class and was selected as 2012 Teacher of the Year. In 2015 she was named one of the Top Ten Most-inspiring Teachers by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in Austin. Lisa feels honored to serve the students and teachers of Irving ISD through her involvement on the Foundation Board.

Andrew Licon

Immediate Past chair & chair-Chairman's Classic

Andrew Licon

Immediate Past chair & chair-Chairman's Classic

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Andrew Licon has been a Chair- Elect since January 2015. In 2007, Andrew started off as an Associate Adviser for Frost Brokerage Services and within 6 years he became the Wealth Adviser. He values hard work and is dedicated to his job which makes him an important part of the Irving Schools Foundation board.

Mary Sue Daniel

Chair-Programs

Mary Sue Daniel

Chair-Programs

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Mary Sue Daniel is the Client Dev. Manager at Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson.

Christina Winters

Chair-Development

Christina Winters

Chair-Development

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Christina Winters was the vice president of United One Resources from 1980-1989. She developed a series of educational workshops that the company adopted nationwide and in the next year in 1990 she became the CEO of Creating and Managing Wealth which is a financial company that helps over 8,000 clients nationwide manage their assets and distributions. In 2005, Christina founded the Irving International Women’s Consortium which is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to educate, support and create opportunities for women of all ethnicity . Christina Winters enjoys helping youth and providing a safe environment for their development which is why she is perfect for the board.

Julie Hillman

Chair- Food for Thought

Julie Hillman

Chair- Food for Thought

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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 similar partnerships throughout the US. She also taught for three years as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University before changing her career to be a stay-at-home mother to her 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. She and her husband Chris are the parents of four daughters, all of whom have or are currently attending school in Irving ISD. Julie has been involved for many years in programs that benefit youth within local community and church organizations.

Gwen Craig

Chair- Food for Thought

Gwen Craig

Chair- Food for Thought

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Gwen Craig is a retired teacher after spending 20 years working for Irving ISD and Grand Prairie ISD. Ms. Craig graduated from Irving High and went on to get her Bachelors and Masters degree at The University of North Texas. She has served on the Staff Development Committee in Grand Prairie ISD. Ms. Craig was also the president of the Irving Chapter of Association of Texas Professional Educator. She now mentors the youth of Irving and is involved in TRTA both locally and District 10 while also being chair to the C2C Store.

Diana Pfaff

Chair-Legacy Gala

Diana Pfaff

Chair-Legacy Gala

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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.

Kimberly Kimbriel

Chair-Legacy Gala

Kimberly Kimbriel

Chair-Legacy Gala

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Kimberly Kimbriel serves as our vice chair for the Annual Gala. Kimberly is currently working as a buyer for The Container Store and has had this position for the last 20 years. Kimberly received her B.A from Graceland College.

Kay Branch

Chair- Golf

Kay Branch

Chair- Golf

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Kay Branch is a 8th Grade Counselor at Bowie Middle School in Irving TX. Kay sets students on the path for success and is there for them during any time in need. Kay prepares her students for high-school and her main goal is to make sure that they are 100% prepared for the new transition and understand the importance of staying on track.

Wayne Gono

Chair-Live2Lead

Wayne Gono

Chair-Live2Lead

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As a passionate ambassador for Christ, Wayne enjoys bringing the light of the Gospel into the secular business world. Wayne is married to his high school sweetheart, Patsy. Together, they serve as the second-generation family owners and operators of Regal Plastics, a plastic distributorship with six locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Wayne and Patsy’s greatest joys are their two children, Chad and Amy, who will propel the family’s business into the future as third-generation successors. “Well actually our three grandchildren are our greatest joys. Claire 4yrs, Ford five months and harper 13 months.”

Wayne has spent his entire life in the Dallas area. He serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Plastics Distributors (IAPD), and is currently the immediate past President. He has also served on the Texas State Board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and on the board of Elders at Dallas Bible Church. Wayne also serves on the board of Time to Revive an international evangelical ministry, and John Maxwell’s national Live2Lead board in Irving. Wayne spent ten years teaching Dale Carnegie Sales and Human Relations courses as well as Adult Bible Study classes.

“Yes my wife says I have become a professional board member since turning the leadership of the company over to our children. I think she is right. But hey since the kids have all the responsibility and authority to lead the company they no longer really need me. So currently I am an investor and board member to Regal Plastics and an advocate for Jesus Christ.”

Darin Furbush

Chair-Personnel

Darin Furbush

Chair-Personnel

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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.

Lynn Andrews

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Lynn Andrews

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Lynn Andrews is the Special Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent of School Operations for Irving ISD. She has been employed there for 30 years. She is also a graduate of Irving High School Class of 1979. Lynn has served on the Board for several years.

Randy Randle

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Randy Randle

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Randy Randle is a life long citizen of Irving TX and has been very active in many of the community and school district events. He has served as PTA fundraising chairman, Band Booster president and chairman of baseball concessions for the Booster Club. He also served on the Irving City Council for six years and was chairman of the finance committee.

Kitty Boyle

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Kitty Boyle

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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.

Patty Brauer

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Patty Brauer

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Patty Brauer serves as the Finance Director for the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which advocates for education and economic development in the Hispanic Market. She is also a board member in Groupo AHOrA.

Renee Copeland

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Renee Copeland

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Born and raised in Irving Texas, Renee Copeland attended Brandenburg Elementary, Sam Houston Middle School, MacArthur High School, and North Lake College. She has been married 30+ years to JD Copeland with 2 adult children, Emily & Cody Copeland, whom are also both products of the IISD. Renee serves the youth at her church Oakview Baptist and loves spending time with the youth and getting to know them better.

She has served in various positions of PTA boards throughout her years associated with the IISD. Recently, she served as President at Nimitz High School. Over the years Renee has been on the CIC committees at the elementary and secondary levels. Her experience also goes over to serving 2 years on the District’s Excellence Now committee which gives out the ICE awards. Being so impressed with what our schools and children do, she wanted to be more involved. Renee believes in the school district and city and when she was asked to be a part of the Foundation she jumped at the chance. Over the last few years she had the opportunity to understand the tremendous impact that the foundation has on the children and staff of Irving ISD and is proud to say she is on the board.

James Shackelford

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James Shackelford

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James Shackelford is the President and CEO of SommaComm Incorporation which is a communications marketing firm that creates services to fuel growth and advanced purpose. James has been a member of the IISD board for 4 years now and is also on the board for the Public Relations Society of America and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra.

Jennifer Shrum

Secretary

Jennifer Shrum

Secretary

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Jennifer Shrum is a digital media professional who has lived and volunteered in Irving since 1986. An alumna of The New School and the University of North Texas, Jennifer is an active member of the Online News Association. She serves on the Advisory Board for Tarrant County College’s Radio/TV/Film program.

Crystal Scanio

President & CEO

Crystal Scanio

President & CEO

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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 her daughter.

Magda Hernandez

Superintendent of Schools

Magda Hernandez

Superintendent of Schools

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Magda Hernández, a long-serving Irving ISD employee, was named Superintendent of Schools for the Irving Independent School District December 2018.

Hernández began her career in the district 26 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.

Mika Tepfer

Teacher Representative

Mika Tepfer

Teacher Representative

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Mika Tepfer received her degrees from Dallas Baptist University in 2012 with a Masters in Educational Leadership in Administration and from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Ms. Tepfer began her career in 1990 at Joshua High School teaching Health and Physical Education and coaching Volleyball, Basketball, and Track and Field Coach. She moved to Smithfield Middle School, Birdville ISD from 1991-95 as the Head of Girls Athletics, Physical Education and Math Teacher. She is now the Assistant Principal at Irving High School and serves as the Teacher Representatives on the Board Of Representatives for the Irving Schools Foundation.

Michael Huebner

General Counsel

Michael Huebner

General Counsel

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Michael R. Huebner is an attorney/owner at The Law Office of Michael R. Huebner, PLLC, a firm that represents clients on estate planning, estate administration, and business issues. Michael is also an Assistant Judge at the Irving Municipal Court, and Vice President of Trinity Casting Service, Inc. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Navy Reserve.

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.

A resident of Irving since 1962, Michael attended A.S. Johnston Elementary School, Travis Jr. High School, and MacArthur High School, and he taught physics and chemistry at Nimitz High School for eleven years.

Michael has been General Counsel for the Irving Schools Foundation, Inc. since 2016. He also serves on the boards of the Friends of the Texas State Vietnam Memorial, Inc. and the Irving Family Advocacy Center, Inc.

Andy Jones

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Andy Jones

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Andy is Vice President and Learning Experience Development Team Manager for Texas Capital Bank. He has received the Volunteer of the Year Award at Texas Capital for the last two years. Andy continues to volunteer at the Resource Center Community Health Clinic (9 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 $120,000 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 a Masters Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor Degree from Winthrop University.

Lori Sims

Teacher Representative

Lori Sims

Teacher Representative

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Lori Sims has been involved with ISF for many years in a variety of roles both as a teacher at MacArthur 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.

Jim Louder

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Jim Louder

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Jim Louder is a highly experienced, versatile Senior Account Executive for Knight Security Systems. Jim also owns Nosh and Bottles, a 5 star restaurant here in Irving TX.

Tracy McNeil

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Tracy McNeil

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Tracy McNeil is the Lead Sales Representative at Liberty Mutual Insurance. In 2015 Tracy was voted Zone Rookie of the Year for Auto and Home. From 2009-2016 Ms. McNeil volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House Charities for Children and has shown great interest for the youth in Irving ISD.

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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.