Rafael Lizardi, senior vice president and chief financial officer for Texas Instruments has begun his one-year term as 2023 board chair of the Dallas Regional Chamber

His term was announced in January at the DRC’s 2023 Annual Meeting at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

“For several years now as a board member, I’ve had a front-row seat watching the DRC in action, championing economic growth and development across the region, helping our kids get a good education, creating a more equitable society, and advocating for public policy proposals to keep our business climate strong, open, and welcoming,” Lizardi said in a statement. “As we prepare for a new Texas Legislative session, the DRC will encourage our elected officials to take advantage of our state’s budget surplus to make smart, long-term investments in our region’s infrastructure and human capital. These priorities will strengthen our region and set us up for an even better tomorrow.”

The DRC also announced that Nancy Avila, executive vice president and chief information and technology officer for Irving-based McKesson Corp., was elected by the board to serve as 2024 DRC Chair.

The chamber said that Lizardi will preside over its efforts to help ensure the continued growth of the region’s economy and help drive the DRC’s public policy agenda for the upcoming Texas Legislative session.

Lizardi joined TI in 2001 and was named vice president in 2010. He was promoted to corporate controller in 2012 before assuming the role of CFO in 2017. He has been on the DRC board of directors since 2018.

Bob Pragada

Lizardi succeeds Bob Pragada, who will remain a member of the DRC board and executive committee. During Pragada’s tenure, the DRC was named National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

“I’m proud of the DRC’s unyielding commitment to bringing a future filled with hope for everyone who lives and works in the region,” Pragada said in a statement. “The DRC team works hard every day to expand the economic, educational, and job opportunities for all – including becoming the fastest-growing market in the U.S. for high-tech jobs, the expansion of Dallas Thrives to invest in our future workers, and the launch of the Southern Dallas County Economic Development initiative. And I know that under Rafael’s leadership, the DRC will only build on this record of success.”

Avila also highlighted the chamber’s accomplishments.

“The Dallas Regional Chamber has earned its reputation as the best in the nation by being a different kind of chamber,” Avila said. “I look forward to working closely with Rafael, my board colleagues, and CEO Dale Petroskey and his team to make the Dallas Region the best place in the United States to live, work, and do business.”

You can find a complete list of DRC board members here.

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