Greyhound Parent Launches Flix North America, Names CEO and Top Leadership 

Flix SE, the global transportation provider that operates Greyhound Lines and FlixBus announced the launch of Flix North America Inc. The Dallas-based company will oversee operations for both Greyhound and FlixBus across North America.

Flix, which acquired Greyhound last year, wants to increase the synergies of both brands under Flix North America,” said André Schwämmlein, founder and CEO of Flix SE. 

Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America, Inc. [Photo: Flix North America]

The Flix North America executive team will be led by newly appointed CEO Kadir “Kai” Boysan, former CEO of Kâmil Koç Buses Inc. Boysan has worked with Flix since it acquired Kamil Koç in 2019, bringing experience from leading the brand’s operations in Türkiye (formerly Turkey).

Greyhound CEO Dave Leach, who has been with the company for over 30 years, will retire at the end of 2022, according to a news release. Leach will remain with the company as a strategic adviser until his retirement.

Other C-suite execs of Flix North America Inc. include:

• Nathan Oujezdsky, former VP of Commercial Finance for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits takes the post as CFO of Flix North America.
• Bill Blankenship, who has been with Greyhound for 25 years, will take over from Dave Leach as President of Greyhound Lines, Inc. and continue as COO.
• Former interim CFO of Greyhound, Cork Van Den Handel, is stepping down from his Greyhound role.
• Pierre Gourdain, who joined Flix in 2015, will lead FlixBus Inc. as president and COO.

Keurig Dr Pepper Announces Further Leadership Changes

Ozan Dokmecioglu

Frisco and Burlington, Vermont-based Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. announced changes to its executive leadership team, in advance of its previously announced CEO transition at the end of this month.

As announced on April 5, Ozan Dokmecioglu will transition from the position of CFO & President, International to the position of CEO on July 29, at which time Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort will transition to the role of executive chairman.

Derek Hopkins, who currently serves as president of cold beverages and has broad responsibility for KDP’s commercial functions, has decided to leave KDP at the end of 2022 to pursue family and personal interests he’s put on hold for some time, the company said in a statement. He will continue to serve in an advisory role in 2023 to Gamgort and Dokmecioglu, with whom he has partnered for the past six years to transform Keurig Green Mountain (KGM), lead the successful integration of the KDP merger and drive outsized growth for KDP’s cold business. 

The company announced that it will separate Hopkins’ current role into two roles—president, commercial and a more focused president, cold beverages. KDP has launched an external search for a new president, cold beverages, and said it expects to fill that role before the end of the year.

Andrew Archambault, who is chief customer officer, has been promoted to the president, commercial, effective August 1, and will become a member of the executive leadership team, reporting to Dokmecioglu.

Mauricio Leyva, who joined KDP in 2020 and currently is president, coffee, will assume an expanded role as group president, effective Aug. 1.  In this role, Leyva will continue to lead coffee and add responsibility for the international businesses previously led by Dokmecioglu, as well as the continued evolution of the digitalization of KDP.

David Thomas, who has been with KDP and its predecessor companies since 2006 and serves as chief research & development officer, will be retiring from upon the naming of his successor.

At the time of the CEO transition announcement, the company said that it had launched an external search process for a CFO to replace Dokmecioglu.  To ensure full coverage during the transition, effective July 29, George Lagoudakis, who is SVP of finance for cold beverages, has been appointed to the interim role of KDP CFO, reporting to Dokmecioglu.

Eyelit Names CEO, Adds to Leadership Team

Jason Adams

Dallas-based Eyelit Inc. has announced several additions to its leadership team to growth the company and support functional depth for its clients.

Eyelit is a global leader in manufacturing execution, quality management, and factory automation solutions.

In addition to recently naming Jason Adams as CEO and board member, there are several new additions to product, sales, and marketing leadership, adding robust, proven layers of authority and decades of experience, the company said in a statement.

Eyelit has several new members joining its leadership team:

Rav Grover, global chief financial officer & board director, brings significant experience in executive leadership, strategy, corporate finance, M&A, and financial reporting. Grover is a CPA, chartered accountant, and proven entrepreneur who has co-founded two previous startup companies and seen them through maturation. He has served as a CFO in diverse industries and has led infrastructure development to support transformative industry growth.

John Lischefska, vice president of product management, has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain software markets, and product management leadership roles. He has been involved in the design and development of two manufacturing execution systems and was a co-founder or officer of three manufacturing software companies. He also has managed the design and development of several Enterprise Resource Planning and supply chain management systems, including three modules of Microsoft’s flagship ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Edition.

Dan Wilson joins Eyelit as VP of Sales, Americas. He has more than 20 years of experience selling enterprise software solutions and leading sales teams, mostly in the manufacturing and industrial internet of things space. He has worked for big players such Siemens and Rockwell but also has a wealth of knowledge from roles at smaller software companies. Most recently, Dan led a global manufacturing sales team for Element AI, an artificial intelligence company recently purchased by ServiceNow, and led sales and marketing for WorldQuant Predictive, a predictive analytics startup.

Steve McCafferty joins Eyelit as a marketing director, and has more than 20 years in marketing, business development, and sales, with nearly a decade of experience positioning in internet of things/manufacturing execution systems (IIoT/MES). Having worked at companies like PTC & Rockwell Automation, Steve has an extensive background in launching and executing growth strategies in the manufacturing space.

Jackson-Shaw Promotes COO to CEO

Michelle Wheeler

North Texas-based Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate development company, has promoted Michele Wheeler to president and CEO. Wheeler, who previously was president and COO, joined the company in 2005 and held positions in finance, development, and management.

Wheeler creates “considerable value for investors and partners across the firm’s product offerings, including industrial, hospitality and residential developments in diverse markets throughout the United States,” said Founder and Chairman Lewis Shaw in a statement.

2022 is the company’s 50^th year in business. Wheeler says much has changed since 1972, but Jackson-Shaw’s mission remains the same: to identify and develop “exceptional real estate opportunities” and create “distinctively designed environments where people and companies can thrive.”

Molecular Testing Labs Taps Irving Executive as CEO

Eric Strafel

Vancouver. Washington-based Molecular Testing Labs has chosen Irving-based Eric Strafel as its new chief executive officer, bringing with him more than 25 years of experience building forward-thinking teams and scaling innovative technologies in startups through Fortune 50 companies.

Strafel previously was president and CEO of Aviall, creating the framework for the company’s 20/20 vision for future growth, resulting in three consecutive years of 20% growth and growing annual revenues to more than $5 billion during his tenure, according to a statement.

“The future of healthcare is rooted in expanding access to care. Molecular’s proprietary self-collection solutions coupled with clinical processing and digital framework are key to securing quality, affordable healthcare for all communities who have limited access to testing and treatment.” Stafel said. “I’ve long been committed to creating opportunities for underserved communities and I’m excited to join Molecular Testing Labs to grow them into the most impactful lab in the US.”

In addition to holding C-suite positions in Fortune 50 companies and serving as CEO of Aviall, Strafel also is the founder of SUMMi7, a consultancy focused on helping businesses and teams with inclusion and sustainability built into their DNA to grow together in pursuit of a higher purpose.

Education Opens Doors Chooses CEO

Roscoe Compton

Education Opens Doors (EOD), a Dallas-based nonprofit that partners with middle schools to train teachers to equip their students with college and career knowledge, has appointed Roscoe Compton-Kelly as chief executive officer.

Compton-Kelly previously headed External Affairs for EOD and will succeed Jayda Batchelder, founder and former CEO of the organization, who has led the organization for a decade.

The board selected Compton-Kelly after a national search, based on his leadership, experience, and track record.

“Roscoe’s strategic and operational acumen, people leadership skills, and deep experience in working with school districts and non-profit organizations – coupled with his clear vision for EOD – are a great fit for the organization’s next phase,” Board Chair Jeff George said.

Prior to joining EOD in 2021, Compton-Kelly spent 20 years with Scholastic Inc., the largest publisher of children’s books in the world.

Make-A-Wish North Texas Names New President, CEO

Kim Elenez

Addison-based Make-A-Wish North Texas announced that Kim Elenez has been named its new president and chief executive officer, bringing in a new era of leadership, vision, and impact for the children and families of North Texas.

Elenez brings more than 20 years if experience growing organizations in nonprofits, communities, and businesses.

For example, as the first chief marketing officer for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she developed the university’s first-ever overarching development marketing strategy, which helped raise more than $600 million per year.

Previously, she spent several years leading revenue generation efforts at D Media Partners in Dallas, then later transitioning into her career at Integer, Omnicom’s (OMC) largest growth marketing agency. There, Elenez led a team building growth strategies for brands including PepsiCo, ExxonMobil, Philips, and more.

Elenez has received multiple national and international awards for excellence in marketing and served on the board of several nonprofits since 2013.

GenelQ Adds New Chief Commercial Officer to Team

Sami Shihabi

GeneIQ, a Dallas-based molecular diagnostics (MDx) company, has added Sami Shihabi as its new chief commercial officer.

He has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and will lead the commercial branch of the company that will encompass sales, marketing, and revenue cycle management functions with the goal of aligning them to achieve the company’s corporate and financial goals.

Shihabi has extensive knowledge and expertise in operational execution and in building alignment across multiple functions of a matrixed organization to help improve efficiency and productivity, the company said in a statement.

He is an established commercial leader with extensive knowledge in the healthcare industry and commercial leadership in the therapeutics and diagnostics industries, GenelQ said. Most recently, he led the Women’s Health Diagnostics and Gastroenterology Precision Medicine divisions at Progenity as chief commercial officer.

CASPR Technologies Hires New Chief Operating Officer

Matt Horine

Dallas-based environmental health technology company CASPR Technologies has hired Matt Horine as its new chief operating officer.

Horine’s commercial operations experience includes scaling businesses and products across multiple industries including technology platforms and marketplaces, supply chain, security, and building materials, the company said in a statement.

Most recently, Horine was vice president of engagement for IntelliCentrics, where he was responsible for the delivery-side engagement strategy for thousands of hospitals and medical facilities using a platform-based technology for healthcare credential management. Horine previously was at Veryable, the on-demand labor marketplace for manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution operations.

“Matt’s experience in sales, scaling businesses, bringing products to market and his proven leadership track record make him a perfect fit for CASPR Technologies,” CASPR co-founder and Executive Chairwoman Gail Warrior said in a statement. 

StackPath Hires New Chief Revenue Officer

Kevin Odden

Dallas-based StackPath, a platform of edge computing, edge delivery, and edge security solutions, announced that it has hired Kevin Odden as chief revenue officer, overseeing all revenue streams for the company, including new business and installed client base sales.

“We have had continual and impressive growth these past six years we’ve been in existence, but the addition of Kevin Odden will further fuel our growth,” StackPath CEO Kip Turco said in a statement. “Kevin has a passion and proven track record for growing business and increasing revenue, and we know he will do the same for StackPath.”

The company said that Odden brings extensive experience in sales and global digital media distribution technologies for high growth and emerging markets to StackPath.

Most recently, Odden was senior vice president of Worldwide Sales at Qwilt where he launched the Americas for Content Producer Sales and supported some of the largest live events in the world, StackPath said. Before joining Qwilt, Odden was the group vice president of sales Americas for Limelight (Edgio).

Vistra Promotes Company Veteran to CFO

Kris Moldovan

Vistra, a Fortune 500 integrated retail electricity and power generation company based in Irving, announced that company veteran Kris Moldovan has been appointed as its next chief financial officer, effective Aug. 1.

Moldovan assumes the CFO role from Jim Burke, who, as previously announced, will transition to chief executive officer on Aug. 1. Moldovan’s appointment marks the completion of Vistra’s search process.

“With a unique combination of deep industry expertise, company knowledge, and financial acumen, Kris is the right leader to be our next CFO,” Burke said. “For more than a decade, Kris has been instrumental to our finance team and has played a key role in the design and execution of our capital allocation strategy, having managed several critical transactions, including our green perpetual preferred equity offering. Importantly.”

Moldovan will continue to report to Burke and will assume broad responsibility for the company’s accounting, risk, internal audit, treasury, tax, planning, investor activities, and other various functions.

United Way of Tarrant County Announces New EVP, Chief Financial Officer

Gary Doubrava

United Way of Tarrant County today announced that Gary Doubrava Jr. has been appointed as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

In that new role, Doubrava will be responsible for all financial matters of the organization, information technology and facilities management. He will work closely with United Way of Tarrant County President and CEO Leah King and partner with senior leadership and the board of directors to develop and implement financial strategies across the organization, the organization said in a statement.

Doubrava’s background includes risk mitigation, cash management, internal controls, and strategic vision.   Before joining United Way of Tarrant County, Gary served as CFO at the Atlanta Botanical Garden for the last nine years. He led the garden through expansion by opening an additional Garden in Gainesville, Georgia, secured financing to acquire land to further expand the Garden in the future and led the Garden through the pandemic.

Prior to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, he served as Controller for the Georgia Aquarium.

Axxess Hires Former PwC Executive as First Chief People Officer

Tom Codd

Axxess, the Dallas-based technology innovator for healthcare at home, has named former PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) partner Tom Codd as its first-ever chief people officer to help manage its growth around the world.

“It’s rare to have the opportunity to hire someone with Tom’s leadership ability and breadth of experience across so many areas of business,” said Axxess founder and CEO John Olajide. “As we grow our interests around the world, Tom will play a critical role in helping manage our most valuable asset – our people.”

Olajide and Codd, who spent 39 years at PwC before retiring, became acquainted through the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, working as members of the DRC’s Executive Committee. Both Olajide and Codd also served one-year terms as DRC Chairman.

“While working at PwC and the Dallas Regional Chamber, I was impressed with the Axxess success story and John’s natural leadership abilities,” Codd said. “Like John, I have always emphasized the value of creating a cooperative, collaborative work environment that helps everyone succeed, and I’m looking forward to working with the entire leadership team to ensure we have the best people possible as the company continues to grow.”

Codd was a business and financial executive at PwC, serving multinational and private equity clients in the manufacturing, chemicals, engineering, construction, and technology industries. He held many business leadership roles at PwC, including Managing Partner of North Texas, Vice Chairman and U.S. Human Capital Leader, and U.S. Fit for Growth Managing Partner.

Aimbridge Hospitality Names New Chief Legal Officer

Mark Chloupek

Aimbridge Hospitality, a Plano-based global hospitality company, announced that legal executive and industry veteran Mark Chloupek has been appointed to as chief legal officer.

The company said in a statement that his hiring is another example of Aimbridge’s continued dedication to infuse top industry talent within its leadership team and to provide unparalleled services to its owners.

“As Aimbridge continues to evolve, it is critical for us to have an experienced executive like Mark who will assist us in navigating growth opportunities.” said Michael J. Deitemeyer, Aimbridge president & CEO.

Chloupek brings 23 years of experience in hospitality with companies ranging from ownership and management to franchising, including eight years as general counsel for public companies. Most recently, he was EVP, secretary and general counsel of CorePoint Lodging, where he oversaw all legal and related matters of the company, corporate governance, strategic transactions, executive compensation, risk management, and litigation. He also led the sale of CorePoint to a joint venture between Highgate and Cerberus Capital Management.

Liberty Bankers Insurance Group Names Chief Investment Officer

Liberty Bankers Insurance Group, a Dallas-based provider of life, health, and financial products, has announced the promotion of Tim Wilson to chief investment officer.

Wilson joined the company in 2010 as a senior portfolio manager and credit analyst. Before that, Wilson worked as a managing director in the fixed income group of the U.S. asset management division at Credit Suisse and was a vice president in the fixed income research group at JP Morgan Chase.

He also was the co-director of short-term fixed income research, corporate finance client executive, and controller at Chase Manhattan Bank. He also held roles at CastleOak Securities and Miller Tabak Roberts Securities in fixed income sales and trading.

Pursuant Taps New SVP, Chief Creative Officer

Dom Spinosa

Pursuant, a full-service marketing and fundraising agency in Dallas, has added Domenic “Dom” Spinosa as senior vice president and chief creative officer.

He brings three decades of expertise providing award-winning, creative strategies to internationally recognized brands, the company said in a statement.

Spinosa will lead Pursuant’s creative department and partner with client strategy teams to craft best-in-class direct response campaigns and marketing concepts that build deeper relationships and drive results, the company said.

His more than 30-year career includes past nonprofit clients like Feeding America, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish, Environmental Defense Fund, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and International Fund for Animal Welfare. Previous commercial clients include Volvo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Marriott, American Express, and Hertz. He has been honored with over 300 industry awards, including ECHO, John Caples, Maxi, and NEDMA.

Integrity Marketing Group Announces New Managing Director, Acquisition

Patrick Bet-David

Addison-based Integrity Marketing Group, a distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire PHP Agency, and as part of the acquisition, Patrick Bet-David, founder and CEO of PHP Agency, will become a managing partner in Integrity.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

PHP, which stands for “People Helping People,” serves nearly half a million Americans nationwide by offering life and annuity products through its team of more than 27,000 agents across 170 offices.

Bet-David came to the United States as an Iranian refugee as a child, then served in the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division before joining a large investment and financial services firm. In 2009, he founded PHP Agency, which has experienced exponential growth by investing in technology for agents and focusing on the needs of underserved communities.

A leader in diversity and inclusion, PHP Agency is redefining industry norms by recruiting, training, and supporting a diverse, dynamic, and highly motivated salesforce, the company said in a statement.

“Patrick Bet-David is the embodiment of the American dream,” said Bryan W. Adams, co-founder and CEO of Integrity. “He has inspired thousands of agents to become entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders, all while building an agency that is reshaping the face of insurance. This type of leadership is a rare gift, and we’re privileged to have Patrick join us in our mission to innovate the industry.”

Crossplane Capital Expands with New Operating Partner, Staff

Larry Hagenbuch, Kameron Woolfolk, and Will Huntsman

Dallas-based private equity firm Crossplane Capital has expanded its team with the additions of Larry Hagenbuch as operating partner, Kameron Woolfolk as associate, and Will Huntsman as analyst.

The company said that Hagenbuch brings hands-on operational improvement experience to Crossplane.  Previously, he led Huron Consulting’s Interim Management Practice, and he was a consultant with AlixPartners and Booz, Allen & Hamilton earlier in his career. 

Woolfolk joins Crossplane as an associate after working in Truist’s Industrial Investment Banking Group and JP Morgan’s Diversified Industrials Group.  Huntsman joins Crossplane as an analyst after working for lower middle market private equity firm, Peterson Partners.

Founded in 2018, Crossplane Capital invests in niche manufacturing, value-added distribution, and industrial business services companies. The firm seeks to partner with lower-middle market companies to enhance financial performance and generate strategic value creation.

Trinity River Distillery Hires New Master Distiller

Fort Worth’s Trinity River Distillery has hired Brett Luchesi as its new master distiller.

He has been a part of the distilling industry for 11 years, starting out with Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits in San Diego, California.

Trinity River said he has played crucial roles in distillery build outs, design, layout, process piping, recipe formulation, spirit portfolio growth, large alcohol brand acquisitions, distillery consulting, and process efficiencies.

CEO and President Thomas Ingham said: “Brett is a creative thinker that brings a wealth of knowledge as a former Head Brewer with Ballast Point Brewing Company, as well as Lead and Head Distiller with craft distilleries in the Southwest and West Coast. He understands how to combine artistry and process to make a great product.”

Richardson ISD Names Lone Superintendent Finalist

Tabitha Branum

Interim Superintendent Tabitha Branum has been named the lone finality to become the Richardson Independent School District’s full-time superintendent the district’s board of trustees announced.

The district has been searching for a new permanent superintendent since December when the board accepted the resignation of former Superintendent Jeannie Stone. Branum was named interim superintendent for the remainder of the school year after the board accepted Stone’s resignation.

The board cited Branum’s past experience with RISD in supporting her.

“Tabitha Branum demonstrated that her unique leadership capabilities and track record of success in RISD were exactly what the community was looking for,” board President Regina Harris said. Branum will become the district’s 10th superintendent since 1946.

Bank of Texas Expands Fort Worth Corporate Banking Team

Bryson Bowden and John Gerdes

Bank of Texas announced that it expanded its Fort Worth corporate banking team with the addition of Bryson Bowden and John Gerdes.

Bowden joins as team lead of the corporate banking team and Gerdes as relationship manager, both reporting to Fort Worth Region CEO Mark Nurdin, the banking company said.

“Our attraction and addition of both Bryson and John is part of the strategic priority to grow our business in Texas,” says Nurdin in a statement.

Bank of Texas said that the corporate banking team focuses on growing relationships with middle market, privately held companies with annual revenues ranging up to $1 billion dollars and offering innovative solutions to address business and financial needs.

Nexstar Media Appoints SVP, Regional Manager

Brandin Stewart

Irving-based Nexstar Media has announced the appointment of Brandin Stewart as senior vice president and regional manager for its broadcasting division, overseeing Nexstar television stations and digital operations in multiple markets across the country.

Stewart has nearly 20 years of broadcasting experience in major markets, and he will be based at the company’s headquarters in Irving, Texas and report to Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar Media Inc.’s broadcasting division.

He has a broad range of experience in all areas of the media business and a long track record of success at television stations in large markets across the country, including Philadelphia, Chicago, San Diego, and Dallas, Nexstar said in a statement.

RGC Labs Announces Actor/Director as Newest Partner

Dallas-based Web3 thinktank RGC Labs announced that actor/director Daniel Baldwin is its newest Partner. RGC Labs created the Royal Goats Club NFT project and is building the Royal Chest NFT Marketplace.

Texas-based RGC Labs said in a statement that Baldwin is not a new face to the crypto/Web3 industry and has been involved in building the largest Latin American film industry in El Salvador, known to be an evolving Crypto Haven.

Baldwin also has been directing Bollywood into the blockchain movement through various Web3 strategies. Baldwin’s alignment with RGC will bring next-generation cross-chain infrastructure into his vision and arsenal, RGC said in a statement.

“Many projects are focused on decentralization within individual blockchains, but what I thought was unique about RGC Labs is their vision to establish network interoperability across multiple blockchains, presenting an even more advanced embodiment of blockchain’s promise to the NFT space,” Baldwin said.

The RGC team said it continues to build a brand and community based on five main pillars: Authenticity, Transparency, Value, Clarity, and Traction. Baldwin said plans to increase RGC Lab’s value through establishing partnerships with well-known Web2 companies and bringing them into Web3.

RGC Labs (Royal Goats Club Labs) is a blockchain technology think tank founded by Shuja Pakliwhal.

Perkins&Will Strengthens Dallas Leadership Team With 19 Promotions

The Dallas studio of global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will announced that it has strengthened its leadership team through internal promotions.

“Each of these individuals enhances our team with a diverse set of skills while keeping the company’s core values in mind,” says Perkins&Will’s Southwest Region director Tom Reisenbichler.

Ashley Dias, Melissa Cooksey, and Julie Frazier

Promotion to Principal:

• Ashley Dias AIA, ACHE, EDAC, LEED AP, serves as the Director of Healthcare Strategy for the Dallas studio. Ashley leads in healthcare planning, guiding clients through the decision-making process. Ashley is driven by the challenge that master planning provides and crafts compelling visions through data and analytics to facilitate confident choices.
• Melissa Cooksey, IIDA, RID, LEED AP ID+C, is a Senior Interior Project Manager for the Corporate Interiors team. She values the power of collaboration and enjoys the personable side of design—fostering symbiotic connections between her team and the client. Melissa is an active member of the community. Known for her charitable spirit, she serves as the Vice President of Fund Development for the Junior League of Dallas, co-chairs the Dallas studio’s Social Purpose team, and is an active member of the Community Partners of Dallas.
• Julie Frazier, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C, is a Senior Medical Planner passionate about designing healthcare environments that can create life-changing outcomes. She believes in working smart and reaching beyond her comfort zone. Julie’s specialty in healthcare environments is driven by research and metrics that can improve and promote user well-being.

Kristin Winters, Dan Eikenberry, and Matthew Crummey

Promotions to Associate Principal: 

• Kristin Winters is a Senior Project Architect who believes in design’s ability to affect people and communities. In her role, Kristin works with both the clients and consultant teams, managing complex and competing demands to orchestrate a beautiful architectural solution. She guides the design and documentation of projects with the goal of providing exceptional service to clients. Kristin is dedicated to her internal team and continually develops talent within the studio.
• Dan Eikenberry is a Senior Project Manager who thrives in the ever-shifting, day-to-day experience of working in design. His top priorities are serving clients, delivering quality design, and fostering an engaging work environment for project teams. Dan is passionate about educational design and the impact the built environment can have on student success and well-being.
• Matthew Crummey is a Senior Project Architect passionate about excellence in architectural design. Matthew is driven by opportunities to shape the city of Dallas and is committed to mentoring emerging architects. He believes in his responsibility to help build the next generation of leaders.

Promotions to Senior Associate:

• Deirdre Crawford, Senior Project Accountant
• Meredith Hunt, Technical Coordinator
• Lauren Mereness, Senior Interior Project Designer
• Jolene Mudri, Senior Project Manager
• Nirmala Srinivasa, Interior Project Manager

Promotions to Associate:

• Razan AlShadfan, Interior Project Designer
• Bobby Hammond, Construction Administrator
• Le Korte, Project Manager
• Heather Sutherland, Interior Designer III
• Brian Svedeman, Senior Project Architect
• Celeste Urrutia, Office Manager
• Francisco Velasquez, Senior Project Architect
• Suruchi Shrivastava, Project Architect

Bruce Wood Dance Names New Associate Executive Director

Elizabeth Van Vleck

Bruce Wood Dance, one of Dallas’ premier contemporary dance companies, announced that Elizabeth Van Vleck has been appointed as associate executive director.

She brings a lifetime of experience in dance as a performer, teaching artist, choreographer, répétiteur, administrator, and fundraiser.

Van Vleck has worked with some of the world’s top dance companies and institutions, including Shapiro & Smith Dance, New York City Ballet, National Dance Institute, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, CalArts, Diavolo, BODYTRAFFIC, and Dallas’ own TITAS DANCE/UNBOUND.

In her new role as associate executive director, Van Vleck will oversee the company’s national touring program, strengthen connections and partnerships across the country, and expand community impact initiatives including masterclasses, workshops, and educational engagement programs.

“Elizabeth’s passion for dance, vast experience, and strong reputation in the dance world makes her the perfect person to help take Bruce Wood Dance to the next level and inspire new audiences around the globe,” said Gayle Halperin, executive director of Bruce Wood Dance.

Standard Meat Adds New Executive Chef for Product Development

Fort Worth-headquartered protein packaging and portioning company Standard Meat announced that it has added Zach Calkins as a new executive chief to its product development team.

The announcement was made by Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld, co-president of Standard Meat.

The family-owned company has plants in Dallas, Saginaw, Fort Worth, and Ponder and it’s a global supplier of custom protein portioning and packaging solutions for the food service and retail industries.

Calkins has been a consultant to Standard Meat for the past seven years. In that role, he supported product development, performed trend research, and validated recipes for accuracy.

“Having Zach on board as our full-time executive chef will give him an even greater ability to keep Standard Meat as an industry leader, continuing to keep us on the forefront of culinary innovation,” Blumenfeld said in a statement. “Zach’s time as a consultant to Standard Meat showed us he had even more to offer, and we look forward to all he will accomplish in his new role.”

Prior to serving as a culinary consultant, Calkins was a leader at Quizno’s, first as executive chef, and then as senior vice president of global product innovation.

BOARDS

Pioneer Natural Resources Adds to its Board of Directors

Jacinto Hernandez

Irving-based Pioneer Natural Resources Co. announced that Jacinto Hernandez has been added to its board of directors.

Hernandez brings more than 20 experience at Capital Group, where he previously helped lead the research portfolio for one of the largest growth mutual funds in the world and has extensive experience across multiple asset classes and industries, with a focus on the global energy sector. Hernandez has advised corporations and boards on a wide array of topics, including corporate strategy, communication, capital allocation and diversity, equity and inclusion, Pioneer said in a statement.

He retired from Capital Group earlier this year to spend more time with his family but remains active in the energy industry.

Pioneer CEO Scott D. Sheffield stated, “He has immense experience in financial markets, investment management and the energy sector and will help Pioneer navigate and excel as the energy landscape continues to evolve. His deep understanding of the sector, viewed through the lens of an experienced investor, will no doubt serve as a unique and long-lasting benefit to Pioneer.”

LVTRise Names Permanent Executive Director and New Board Members

Left to right: Paige Charbonnet, Felipe Gutierrez, Tori White, and Julie Swearingin

Fort Worth-based LVTRise announced that interim Executive Director Paige Charbonnet has been appointed to the role permanently.

Additionally, LVTRise welcomed three new board members and marked the occasion of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tarrant County operating out of the newly built facility at Rise Community Center.

Charbonnet also served the agency as a board member and board secretary.

LVTRise board President Ty Stimpson said in a statement: “Thanks to her professionalism, dedication and leadership, the transition has been seamless. I have no doubt she is the right person at the right time to lead this organization into a new phase of hope and continued evolution for those we serve in this community.”

New board arrivals include Fort Worth Police Assistant Chief Julie Ann Swearingin, a 26-year veteran of the department; Tori White, vice president and associate market manager for Veritex Community Bank; and Felipe Gutierrez, vice president of development and engagement for One Safe Place.

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