DI People: Avocados From Mexico, TMGcore, Dallas Capital Bank, Nexstar Media, and More Make Moves

Across North Texas, companies are promoting and hiring people for leadership positions.

Dallas Innovates covers prominent personnel moves in Dallas-Fort Worth businesses and nonprofits—from the newest startups to well-established companies. Here are the people moves tied to innovation and technology in the region.

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Avocados From Mexico gets new marketing leadership

Kelly Burke

Irving-based produce company Avocados From Mexico has made two strategic hires to strengthen its marketing organization: Kelly Burke as associate brand director and Steven Klingele as director of research and analytics.

In her new role, Burke will lead brand efforts, working with digital marketing and the marketing media, data, analytics and consumer insights teams. She previously was the brand portfolio marketer for Pepsi Co, and before that, spent several years on the Immediate Consumption Portfolio team at Frito Lay North America.

Steven Klingele

Klingele was most recently the director of consumer insights & innovation at Mission Foods. He has extensive food knowledge and strong data and research expertise. At AFM, he will lead analytics and consumer research efforts, while driving marketing analytics and delivering consumer insights that inspire innovation and optimization.

AFM said adding Burke and Klingele represents its efforts to pioneer the transformation of produce marketing and branding by adopting CPG approaches to build a brand in a traditionally brand-less category.

TMGcore welcomes an advisor

Plano-based TMGcore, a computing solutions company that aims to reshape hyperscale and edge-based data center technology, has added Nicolas Chaillan to its team as an advisor.

Nicolas Chaillan

Chaillan was most recently the chief software officer for the Air Force and Space Force, a role in which he oversaw the creation of the DoD Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative, the largest DevSecOps engagement in the world. Throughout his career, he has worked at the forefront of the cyber-scape as a technology entrepreneur, software developer, cyber expert, and inventor. He is also known in the industry as a pioneer of the computer language PHP.

“[Nicolas’] perspective brings a specific and determined approach to the many use cases for high performance computing using two-phase liquid immersion computing technologies,” JD Enright, CEO of TMGcore, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have Nicolas join our team.”

Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau appoints a new CEO

The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, which markets and develops the city, has named Brent DeRaad as its new president and CEO after a nationwide search. He replaces Ron Price, who resigned in May to head Visit Phoenix.

Brent DeRaad

DeRaad comes to North Texas from Visit Tucson, where he served in the same roles. There, he was responsible for a $10 million annual budget and 16,000 hotel rooms. He has more than two decades of experience and leadership in hospitality, sales, and marketing, and currently is the immediate past board chair of the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, board president of Destination Marketing Association of the West, and a board member of both the Arizona Bowl college football bowl game and of the Tucson Conquistadores.

“The Executive Board of Directors and search committee, spearheaded by SearchWide Global, reviewed numerous talented candidates during this months-long process,” ACVB Chairman of the Board Rob Matwick said in a statement. “It was clear, based on experience and an understanding of the tourism industry, that Brent was the right person for the position, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arlington.”

Dallas Capital Bank names an executive vice president of commercial banking

Locally owned and managed commercial bank Dallas Capital Bank has added Darren Durrett to its team as the new executive vice president of commercial banking, reporting directly to Chief Banking Officer Jason Matthews.

Darren Durrett

Durrett will lead a team dedicated to providing North Texas businesses, business owners, and entrepreneurs with highly customized banking solutions. He joins Dallas Capital Bank from Truist Bank, where he was the Dallas market president responsible for the coordination and management of all commercial banking functions in the local market. Currently, he is the budget and finance chair for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Garland ISD Education Foundation.

“We couldn’t be more excited to add Darren to our leadership team,” Matthews said in a statement. “His experience and knowledge of the North Texas market along with his proven track record in building and managing high performing commercial banking teams will be invaluable as we continue our overall growth.”

Nexstar Media gets a general manager of Dallas’ broadcast and digital operations

Irving-based Nexstar Media Group Inc., the nation’s largest local television and media company, has promoted Marc Hefner to vice president and general manager of broadcast and digital operations in Dallas.

Marc Hefner

In his new role, Hefner will oversee KDAF-TV, cw33.com, and their related digital subchannels, mobile apps, and social media platforms. Hefnere has more than 25 years of broadcast management and sales experience, and is well known as a leader within Nexstar. He has been with the company since 2007, serving as vice president and general manger of WCWJ-TV in Jacksonville, and was appointed to vice president and general manager of WSAV-TV in Savannah in 2017. Dallas is the country’s fifth largest market.

“At both WCWJ-TV and again at WSAV-TV, Marc grew ratings, revenue, and market share, and deepened the station’s relationship with the greater community,” Traci Wilkinson, SVP and regional manager for Nexstar’s broadcasting division, said. “We’re confident that Marc will meet with similar success managing the talented teams at KDAF-TV in Dallas, and we’re looking forward to working with him in his new position at Nexstar.”

Mohr Capital expands its industrial land acquisitions practice

Dallas-based Mohr Capital, a privately held real estate investment firm, is growing its focus on speculative and build-to-suit industrial development with the addition of Carson Horn, an analyst, to its land acquisitions practice.

Carson Horn

In his new role on the newly launched team, Horn will work with brokers and landowners to identify, entitle, and close on big-box land sites for industrial development in key markets across the nation. Most recently, he was a tenant advisor at Swearingen Realty Group, where he researched and developed comparative market surveys and demographic reports to help clients in the site selection process. The hire comes on the heels of a record-breaking quarter for the U.S. industrial market and construction pipeline.

“Skyrocketing industrial demand is making improved land harder and harder to come by, and private owners who have not already sold to developers are reluctant to do so because they know just how valuable it is,” National Director of Land Acquisitions Lee Loftis said. “As a result, acquiring well-positioned land—or land in the outer rings of major markets—takes time, effort and a creative approach. We’re pleased to welcome Carson to the team as we stay on the cutting-edge of industrial development.”

OneDay gets an AVP of client success operations and enablement

Dallas tech company OneDay, which enables user engagement through its video storytelling platforms, has named Rachel Nader its new assistant vice president of client success operations and enablement.

Rachel Nader

In her new role, Nader will oversee the implementation team, the creation and delivery of training for partners, and all partner facing resources. She will also work to refine OneDay’s data metrics and KPIs, working closely with the client success team to effectively support OneDay’s partners. She has more than 10 years of senior living industry experience, which OneDay was originally founded to serve before it expanded its technology.

Her skills include keeping internal teams empowered and external customers engaged and excited. Throughout her career, she has held positions at Five Star Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living, Bild & Co, Matchwell, and more.

Darling Ingredients adds to its renewables team

Irving-based Darling Ingredients Inc., a leading producer of organic ingredients and renewable clean energy, has promoted Sandra Dudley to executive vice president of renewables and U.S. specialty operations.

Sandra Dudley

In her new role, Dudley will continue to oversee Darling’s renewable fuel strategy, spearheading the production of nutrients for wet pet food, organic fertilizers, bakery feeds, and refining operations. She will also be tasked with growing the restaurant services business, which plays an integral role in the vertical integration of Darling’s renewable diesel joint venture. She originally joined Darling in 2015 and was most recently the SVP of renewables and strategy.

“Sandy’s extensive knowledge of the renewable fuels industry and low-carbon feedstock supply gives her a unique and valuable perspective that has advanced Darling as a leader in sustainable ingredients,” Randall C. Stuewe, chairman and CEO of Darling Ingredients, said in a statement. “Her contributions have benefited Darling’s business around the world, and we look forward to her business acumen continuing to drive results in this new leadership position.”

Argano gets a group chief of staff

Dallas-based Argano, which builds the digital foundations that make businesses run better, has appointed Frank Schettino as its new group chief of staff, reporting to CEO Chip Register.

Frank Schettino

In his new role, Schettino will help lead the planning, execution, and facilitation of cross-functional, organization-wide projects and initiatives. His initial focus will be on key areas: integration, culture, people, and experience. He previously worked for more than two decades at Publicis.Sapient elevating people strategy, culture design, leadership development, and DEI initiatives.

“Frank will be a strategic thought partner to leaders across the organization and will ensure we are carrying out the objectives of Argano in a way that is aligned with our purpose and values,” Register said in a statement. “He is an exceptional leader who in turn enables exceptional leaders. He adds value to every conversation he participates in, and he will add day-one impact to our model and its direct impact for customers.”

Stream Realty Partners gets an industrial development leader

Dallas-based Stream Realty Partners, a commercial real estate services, development, and investment company, has added Grayson Hughes to its local team as the director of industrial development services.

Grayson Hughes

Hughes will be responsible for expanding Stream’s industrial development capabilities throughout Texas and Colorado. Throughout his career, he has managed more than 13 million square feet of industrial and office projects, handling all aspects of the assignment from site selection and zoning to permitting and construction administration.

“With over a decade and a half of industrial development experience in Dallas, Grayson has established himself as a seasoned and capable industry leader,” Albert Jarrell, managing director of Stream’s national industrial development services, said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to leverage his skill set and work ethic as we continue to scale our Industrial Development Services in Dallas.”

Paladin adds a CRE veteran to its team

Dallas-based Paladin Partners Commercial Real Estate Services, a full-service commercial real estate services company, has named James Reed as its new executive managing director and partner of development services.

James Reed

Reed joins Paladin with more than three decades of commercial real estate experience, spanning architecture, development, private equity, and real estate finance. He has been part of some of the largest projects for companies and institutional capital investment firms across the globe, which includes more than $60 billion worth of projects. His experience has encompassed master planned communities, industrial, healthcare, office, multi-family, and hospitality.

“Given our continued growth, it was imperative that we create a comprehensive development and construction division within our firm for added serviceability for our clients,” Conrad Madsen, co-founder and partner of Paladin, said in a statement. “James and I first met over 20 years ago at NAI Stoneleigh and he is one of the most well-respected and connected development & finance commercial real estate professionals in the country. He will provide tremendous value to our tenants and our institutional clients focused on development opportunities.”

Global Integrity Finance appoints a CTO

McKinney-based Global Integrity Finance, a national private equity lender that specializes in residential real estate investments, has named Sukumar Reddy Saddi as its chief technology officer responsible for all technological initiatives.

Sukamar Reddy Saddi

In his role on the executive team, Sukumar will lead the company’s end-to-end information technology strategy and the development of financial applications. He has more than ten years of experience leading engineering, product management, and design teams for global technology companies.

“I envisioned creating a bigger, better, and simpler platform for our clients to utilize in pricing loans, getting approvals, uploading data, and funding quicker,” Toby Potter, Global Integrity Finance CEO, said in a statement. “Sukumar is a unique individual that understands the vision, the tools, and resources that are required but also expands upon it. His insight showed us that we had no idea of what was needed to create and accomplish the complete vision.”