Across North Texas, companies are promoting and hiring people to take on leadership positions within their organizations.

Dallas Innovates covers prominent personnel moves in Dallas-Fort Worth businesses and nonprofits—from the newest startups to well-established companies. Here are the people moves tied to innovation and technology in the region.

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Freese and Nichols adds financial services director

Richard Campbell

Fort Worth-based professional consulting firm Freese and Nichols has brought on Richard Campbell as a financial services director.

In his new role, Campbell will lead the firm’s work in helping municipal clients in the South and Southeast develop funding strategies for water-related infrastructure projects. He will be based in the Denton office.

Campbell brings more than three decades of experience to Freese and Nichols in a wide range of utility finance issues. That includes leading projects involving water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, electric and natural gas utilities.

“Though cities across the country face declining revenues because of the pandemic, they still need to continue planning for and meeting their water needs,” Freese and Nichols Vice President Richard Weatherly said in a statement. “With his skills and insights, Richard can help us provide comprehensive guidance so our clients can develop sound strategies to pay for crucial capital investments to serve their residents.”

The Michaels Companies Inc. gets a new chief financial officer

Michael Diamond

Irving-headquartered The Michaels Companies Inc. has named Michael Diamond its new executive vice president, chief financial officer, according to the DBJ.

Diamond has more than 15 years of relevant experience in leading financial functions. Most recently, he was the CFO for Pizza Hut U.S. 

In his new role, Diamond will report directly to CEO Ashley Buchanan. 

“Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated the ability to streamline and integrate financial operations while successfully moving strategic initiatives forward,” Buchanan said in a statement. “His experience will play a pivotal role in supporting our ongoing efforts to position Michaels for sustainable, long-term growth.”

HilltopSecurities announces two new roles

Dallas-based Hilltop Securities Inc. (HilltopSecurities) has added two to its team: Clare Graca as chief administrative officer and Manal Keen as senior vice president of Finance and Strategy for Wealth Management.

Clare Graca

Graca brings more than two decades of leadership experience to the company. She was most recently the chief operating officer of Integrated Emergency Services, LLC, and was previously the managing director of development for Harvard Business School.

In her new role, Graca will work to ensure collaboration and communication among HilltopSecurities’ various business lines as the firm pursues strategic goals.

“HilltopSecurities is in growth mode, actively expanding our presence across the country, and we are proud to welcome Clare Graca to help lead those efforts,” HilltopSecurities President and CEO Brad Winges said in a statement. “Clare has a proven record of success across a range of leadership positions and brings unique insight to our organization as we continue to establish HilltopSecurities as the nation’s leading municipal investment bank.”

Manal Keen

Keen brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services to her new role as head of finance and strategy for the Wealth Management division. She will conduct market analysis and coordinate growth initiatives.

Most recently, she was the chief of staff to the CEO of Chase Merchant Services in Dallas.

Keen brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role as head of finance and strategy for HilltopSecurities’ Wealth Management division, where she will conduct market analysis and coordinate the business line’s growth initiatives. She will report to Senior Managing Director and Head of Wealth Management John Muschalek.

“Manal has deep experience across a breadth of expertise including global operations, high growth strategies, financial modeling, risk management, data analytics, and more,” Muschalek said. “She has a proven record of driving optimal organizational performance and will play a key role in our plans to expand our Wealth Management business.”

NCTCOG adds to Executive Board

Kelly Allen Gray

Kelly Allen Gray, a District 8 Councilmember, has been named to the Executive Board at the North Central Texas Council of Government.

The Board is made up of 17 locally elected officials and one ex-officio non-voting member of the Texas Legislature. It is considered the policy-making body for all activities undertaken by the council of governments.

Additional Tarrant County Board members include County Judge Glen Whitley, Arlington Councilmember Andrew Piel, and Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter.

Transwestern promotes Jordan Wade

Jordan Wade

Jordan Wade has been promoted to senior vice president for Transwestern Real Estate Services’ Occupier Solutions team in Dallas. 

Wade provides leasing and tenant advisory services to U.S. owners and tenants at Transwestern. He is also the youngest member of the company’s Board of Directors at only 30 years old.

His real estate portfolio for clients currently includes more than 150 domestic and international locations. He has been recognized as one of the top producers for Transwestern’s Dallas office, according to the company.

“Jordan has established a passion in cultivating trusted relationships with his clients and colleagues around the country,” said Paul Wittorf, executive managing director and market leader for Transwestern’s North Texas operations. “He puts the needs of his clients first and is constantly developing his acumen to better serve their needs. His future is bright at Transwestern.”

Children’s Health and UT Southwestern appoint a chief medical officer

Dai H. Chung, M.D.

Children’s HealthSM, in affiliation with UT Southwestern Medical Center, has named Dai H. Chung, M.D. the chief medical officer of its joint pediatric enterprise.

The enterprise that Dr. Chung will now lead enables Children’s Health and UT Southwestern to continue to collaborate and align on mutual goals, which is to provide better healthcare for children in North Texas. It’s the first leadership position named to the joint enterprise.

In his new role, Dr. Chung will be tasked with increasing physician alignment and engagement, as well as strengthening clinical operations and fostering partnerships to improve the overall quality, cost, and efficiency of care for the local pediatric population.

Currently, Dr. Chung is a professor of surgery, chief of the division of pediatric surgery, and executive vice chair in UT Southwestern’s Department of Surgery.

“Dr. Chung is one of the country’s most highly acclaimed pediatric surgeons, an accomplished clinical investigator and an incredible educator,” said Pete Perialas, president of the Children’s Health Care Network and chief strategy officer for Children’s Health, said in a statement. “In recent months, he has taken on a leadership role and has been an active and engaged partner as we jointly architect our response to COVID-19. We are fortunate to have Dr. Chung’s leadership and clinical expertise in this new role as we continue to evolve how we provide world-class pediatric care and improve our ability to make life better for children.”

SMU names its first female chaplain

Lisa Garvin

Dallas’ Southern Methodist University has announced that Rev. Lisa Garvin is its new chaplain and minister to the university, the first woman to hold the role.

Garvin replaces Rev. Steve Rankin, who, after 11 years of service, is leaving to explore new ways to advance his ministry.

The chaplain and minister to the university serves the entire SMU community. Rev. Garvin will work with diverse campus ministries organizations to support and nurture students in development of faith and ethics. 

She joins SMU from Emory University where she was associate dean of the chapel and religious life for eight years.

“I am elated to be joining the SMU community,” Garvin said in a statement. “To serve as your chaplain and minister to the University is a dream come true. I look forward to all the ways we will grow together in wisdom and faith.  Building on SMU’s deep roots in the United Methodist tradition, I am eager to engage SMU’s rich diversity and expand the table of religious life on The Hilltop.”

Huitt-Zollars, Inc. expands its executive team

Greg Wine

Dallas-based Huitt-Zollars, a full-service design firm, has expanded its executive leadership team by naming a new chief marketing officer, chief operations officer, and chief business officer.

Greg Wine will serve as CMO, James Twomey as COO, and Kim Kemper as CBO.

Huitt-Zollars said its decision to fill the new positions with existing leaders is a key component of its strategic growth plan.

James Twomey

Wine has been with the firm for 25 years, Twomey since 2017, and Kemper since 2001.

“As president of Huitt-Zollars, my main goal has been to grow the firm and increase profitability,” Robert J. McDermott said in a statement.

“In order to facilitate this growth, it was important to build a strong leadership team, while also renewing our focus on project management.”

UNT names dean of College of Health and Public Service

Nicole Dash

The University of North Texas in Denton has announced that Nicole Dash will serve as its new dean of the College of Health and Public Service (HPS)

Dash replaces current Dean Neale R. Chumbler.

Dash has served HPS since 2010 as associate dean. In that role, UNT said she was instrumental in integrating health programs and growing the college’s enrollments. 

Under her leadership, HPS has added master’s degrees in applied behavior analysis and emergency management and disaster science. It has also expanded its undergraduate offerings.

“The HPS faculty, staff and students tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time—disasters, cultural disparities, healthcare and administration—and they’re changing the landscape for public health,” Jennifer Cowley, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said in a statement. “Nicole Dash is committed to the college’s growth, the faculty’s development and each student’s success.”

HKA gets a new partner

Terry L. Orr

HKA—an independent provider of consulting, expert, and advisory services for the construction, manufacturing, process, and technology industries—has named Terry L. Orr a partner.

Orr will be based in Dallas and will support the growth of the firm’s commercial damages practice. Per HKA, he is a respected authority in forensic accounting who has more than 25 years of experience as an auditor and audit partner at public accounting firms.

Most recently, Orr was the managing director for Business Intelligence and Investigations, North America at Kroll.

“Terry’s forensic accounting and expert witness experience builds on HKA’s already well-established commercial damages and claims consulting practices,” Frank Giunta, president and partner of HKA’s America’s Region, said in a statement.  “We are very excited to have him join our team.”

Methodist Mansfield names a VP of Finance

Faustino Flores

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center announced that Faustino Flores is joining its team as the vice president of finance. 

Most recently, Faustino was market CFO/ACFO for Carondelet Hospitals in Tenet Healthcare’s Tucson market. He has more than three decades of experience in financial management.

Faustino will be responsible for providing financial management, capital, and growth planning at Methodist Mansfield. He will also assist in operating budget and helping achieve strategic and operational initiatives.

“Tino is an accomplished leader in the financial healthcare industry,” Juan Fresquez Jr., the president at Methodist Mansfield, said in a statement. “His professional talents and open, personal style are well suited for guiding Methodist Mansfield’s to a continued level of financial excellence as we continue to grow and serve the health care needs of the communities we serve.”

Perimeter Medical Imaging AI adds to its Board

Aaron Davidson

Dallas-based Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, a medical technology company, has appointed Aaron Davidson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. 

Perimeter Medical Imaging AI aims to transform cancer surgery with advanced, real-time imaging tools. 

Davidson is currently the CFO and SVP of Corporate Development at Profound Medical Inc, which is currently developing real-time MRI-guided thermal ultrasound systems for incision-free ablation of abnormal or cancerous tissue.

“[Davidson’s] experience at Profound Medical and extensive knowledge of the medtech landscape is directly relevant to Perimeter, which anticipates a number of near-term clinical development and commercialization catalysts,” Dr. Anthony Holler, chair of Perimeter’s Board of Directors, said in a statement. “In addition, Mr. Davidson’s work as a partner at H.I.G. BioHealth Partners resulted in numerous success stories in the life sciences sector, and I know Perimeter will benefit from his strategic counsel.”

Andy Rabin expands role at J.P. Morgan

Andy Rabin

J.P. Morgan is giving Andy Rabin additional responsibilities. In addition to his current role as managing director and head of Southwest Investment Banking, Rabin will now also head the Western region, according to the DBJ.

In his new role, Rabin will work closely with the Los Angeles and San Francisco offices and lead day-to-day activities. He joined J.P. Morgan in 2012 and has experience that spans the retail, industrial, energy, tech, media, and telecomm industries.

Texas Women’s Foundation Board announces new directors and chair elect

Texas Women’s Foundation is blazing a trail for its “legacy of inclusion” with its 47-member board that makes up one of the most diverse and powerful in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Dallas-based Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) announced eight new board members set to serve three-year terms from 2020-2023. It also named Hilda Galvan as chair elect.

Galvan is currently the partner-in-charge at Jones Day, an international law firm. She has served on TXWF’s board since 2016, co-chairing the Economic Leadership Council and the Leadership Forum & Awards Dinner along the way.

The new TXWF directors are:

• Avery Belyeu, Regional Director, South Central Region Lambda Legal
• Darcy Cowell, Principal, EY
• Sakina Foster, Partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP
• Melissa Orth, President and CEO, The Legacy Senior Communities
• Gwen Parker, Community Leader and Volunteer
• Holly Reed, Principal and Practice Leader, U.S. Advocacy Services Practice, Ryan
• Gowri Sharma, Co-Owner, Top Pot Donuts
• Julia Simon, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Mary Kay

And the executive committee members are:

• Chair: A. Shonn Brown, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark
• Chair Elect: Hilda Galvan, Partner-in-Charge, Jones Day
• President & CEO: Roslyn Dawson Thompson, President & CEO, Texas Women’s Foundation
• Programs Committee Chair: Bonner Allen, Community Volunteer
• Secretary: Cheryl Alston, Executive Director and CIO, Employees’ Retirement Fund of the City of Dallas
• Member-At-Large: Stacey Doré, CEO, Sharyland Utilities, L.L.C.
• Investment Advisory Chair: Bev Goulet, Retired, American Airlines
• Advocacy Chair: Betsy Healy, Associate Director, Harold Simmons Foundation
• Treasurer/Finance Chair: Michelle Hudson, Principal, Hudson Peters Commercial
• Member-At-Large: Debra Hunter Johnson, President/Owner, Reciprocity Consulting
• Governance Committee Chair: Lisa Montgomery, Owner and Creative Director, Luxe Events
• Member-At-Large: Laura Nieto, Director, Community Outreach, Southwest Airlines
• Member-At-Large: Charmaine Tang, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan