The Dallas Foundation has selected Julie Diaz as its new president and chief executive officer. Diaz had served as interim president and CEO since May 2023 upon the departure of former CEO Matthew Randazzo.

Diaz joined The Dallas Foundation in 2019 as vice president of Philanthropic Partnerships and then was promoted to EVP and chief operating officer. Randazzo now leads the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. 

“Over the past 10 months, Julie has skillfully managed The Dallas Foundation through an executive transition, guaranteeing organizational stability, seamless operations, and faithful stewardship of the Foundation’s most trusted relationships,” Dallas Foundation Board Chair Lydia Addy said in a statement. “Amidst strong competition for the position, Julie became the front-runner in a large pool of highly qualified candidates and was ultimately selected after careful consideration following a search which began last fall.”

Addy said that Diaz stood out for her ability to focus on both long-term planning and successful execution of day-to-day work.

“The board recognized Julie’s unique ability to manage both the internal and external demands of the job and saw in Julie a deep passion and commitment to the organization’s mission and its talented and loyal staff,” she said. “We’re so fortunate to have one of the most gifted non-profit executives in North Texas to lead the foundation through its centennial anniversary and position it for another century of service to Dallas.”

The Dallas Foundation said it’s approaching $600 million in total assets across 700 funds and has connected the generous people of Dallas to the causes they care about—improving lives and making visible progress right here in North Texas.

Helping families reach their full potential

The foundation said its hallmark is engaging with donors on a deeply personal level—educating, advising, collaborating, and investing in creative and measurable solutions to the problems facing our most vulnerable neighbors.

“I’m honored and excited to lead The Dallas Foundation at such a momentous time in its history,” Diaz said in a statement. “For nearly a century, The Dallas Foundation has provided philanthropic support across Greater Dallas by championing solutions and providing much needed support to our community’s most pressing needs. As a values-driven leader, I remain committed to fostering relationships built on trust, engaging authentically with our community, and growing the charitable resources entrusted to the foundation so that we can continue to make a difference right here at home. I am truly grateful to the board of governors for their confidence and support and am eager to begin charting a bold future towards our centennial anniversary and beyond.”

Diaz’s nonprofit career spans 35 years

The foundation said that Diaz’s nonprofit career spans 35 years, the last five of which she led critical updates to The Dallas Foundation’s operations and philanthropic partnerships while overseeing contributions and grantmaking.

Diaz’s attention to guiding important relationships with donors and fundholders, streamlining organizational efficiencies and professional services has been pivotal to the success and long-term sustainability of the organization, the foundation said. 

The Dallas Foundation was established as the first community foundation in Texas in 1929, and it brings together people, ideas, and investments in Greater Dallas so individuals and families can reach their full potential.

During the foundation’s history, it has granted over $1B to the full spectrum of community-centered causes. 

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