When the Dallas Regional Chamber launched the Dallas Innovates brand in 2016, it was a rare move for a chamber of commerce. Rather than simply promoting the region’s robust innovation ecosystem, the DRC set out to cover it like a newsroom, giving North Texas a dedicated, ongoing chronicle of its innovation landscape.

A decade later, Dallas Innovates is making leadership and operational changes to support its next phase of growth.

The DRC now leads business operations and sponsorships for Dallas Innovates, an elevation from its longtime role as adviser and contributor as the nonprofit’s strategic priorities in the innovation economy expand. The DRC has partnered with Frisco-based Lawley Head Media to run the independent newsroom and editorial operations. Its CEO, veteran business journalist and media executive Lauren Lawley Head, also serves as the new editor of Dallas Innovates.

“Dallas Innovates has become an essential voice for our region, telling the story of our innovation economy,” said Brad Cheves, president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber. “As Dallas-Fort Worth continues to grow as a global center for innovation, its role as a trusted source for business and technology news will only become more important.”

Lauren Lawley Head [Photo: Lawley Head Media]

Lawley Head Media began its work with Dallas Innovates July 1, providing editorial services, while the DRC leads business operations, sponsorships and partnerships. The content and communications agency continues its work with entrepreneurs and organizations nationally to share authentic stories as a core part of their strategy.

“By partnering with the Dallas Regional Chamber, Lawley Head Media is extending the work we’ve been doing for the past eight years, helping entrepreneurs and businesses tell life- and world-changing stories,” Lawley Head said. “Technology and innovation are shaping DFW, and we’re excited to bring a strong editorial team to a story worth telling well.”

Before launching LHM in 2018, Lawley Head built a career in journalism, starting as a technology and health care reporter for the Cincinnati Business Courier. She went on to serve as the editor of the Pittsburgh Business Times and Dallas Business Journal and, most recently, as senior vice president of SUCCESS magazine.

Dallas Innovates Co-founder Quincy Preston has stepped down from her day-to-day role as publisher and editor to pursue a new venture while staying on as founding editor and adviser to Dallas Innovates.

Preston’s move to founding editor caps a decade of building Dallas Innovates from the idea stage into an established regional brand. Since 2021, her publishing company, Dallas Next, has helmed the brand, broadening its coverage across business, technology, life sciences, education and the region’s creative and startup communities. Today, Dallas Innovates reaches millions of readers each year through its website, newsletter and social media.

Duane Dankesreiter, who has led the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Dallas Innovates initiative since its launch in 2016, praised Preston’s leadership.

“Quincy has been an incredible partner and a driving force behind everything Dallas Innovates has become,” Dankesreiter said. “Her passion for our region and commitment to great journalism helped shine a spotlight on the entire DFW innovation community.”

“I’m incredibly proud of what we built together, and grateful to everyone who helped make it possible,” Preston said. “Now I’m excited to see where Duane, Lauren and the team take it next. It’s in good hands.”

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