The Dallas Foundation is strengthening its leadership team with two new executives focused on enhancing its community impact and partnerships. Vickie Allen joins as chief impact officer, while Jessica Shepard Watts steps in as chief partnerships officer.
Allen will spearhead the foundation’s grantmaking strategy and oversee The Water Cooler at Pegasus Park, a collaborative space for social impact organizations managed in partnership with Lyda Hill Philanthropies.
Allen’s background includes serving as president and CEO of Educational First Steps and SVP of development at United Way of Tarrant County. Her expertise in early childhood education aligns with one of the foundation’s key priorities: ensuring a strong and healthy start for children.
With a Master of Public Administration in Leadership & Strategy from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Business and Communication from Ithaca College, Allen brings a mix of academic credentials and practical experience to her new role.
Her “expertise will be invaluable to fundholders and community partners as the organization keeps pace with the increasing demands of a growing and changing community,” the foundation said in an announcement.
Managing a network of over 700 donor partners
Watts joins the foundation as chief partnerships officer. As a key external-facing leader, Watts will focus on working with current and prospective donor partners, professional advisors, and key stakeholders to foster a more vibrant Dallas community.
Watts brings nearly two decades of experience across nonprofit, education, and corporate sectors. She most recently served as VP of external affairs at Axxess, overseeing global corporate citizenship and partnerships. She’ll now manage the foundation’s network of over 700 donor partners who granted more than $75 million in 2023. The Dallas Foundation typically hosts at least two grant cycles per year, including Spring and Summer cycles that disburse endowed funds and other resources to nonprofit organizations.
The new partnerships chief holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas-Arlington.
“Her results-oriented leadership approach will significantly impact The Dallas Foundation as it approaches the next phase of growth: its centennial celebration in 2029,” the organization said.
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R E A D N E X T
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