United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Names New CFO

Rebecca Billings will join United Way of Metropolitan Dallas as chief financial officer, the social change organization announced.

Billings comes to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas from the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society Inc., where she was chief financial officer for six years. She assumes her new position on Dec. 4.

“We are looking forward to leveraging Rebecca’s extensive experience in working with high-growth nonprofits to power our momentum as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas marches toward our Centennial in 2025,” Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, said in a statement. “With our growing number of impactful initiatives and programs extending across a four-county area of North Texas, Rebecca’s financial acumen will be key to maintaining the fiscal discipline necessary to keep pace with United Way’s expanding philanthropic footprint throughout our fast-growing region.”

Billings will be responsible for finance and operations for one of the largest United Way organizations in the nation and one which is considered a national leader and model in impact and social innovation. She will work with the board committees of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas.

She also will have oversight of the organization’s technology function, United Way said.

United Way said that Billings brings 20 years of nonprofit experience and leadership to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, having led finance, operations, and administrative functions at The Salvation Army, American Heart Association, and most recently as CFO with the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society Inc.

“United Way of Metropolitan Dallas occupies a unique position at the intersection of social impact and social innovation in North Texas,” Billings said. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the financial stewardship of the organization, supporting its mission to increase the opportunity for all North Texans to thrive.”

Billings’s appointment follows the retirement of Janice Harissis, who joined United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in 2019 from her position as vice president, corporate audit with Dallas-based Texas Instruments. She announced her retirement at the end of 2022 but agreed to remain in her position to assist with the transition to a new CFO.

“We’re wishing a warm farewell to a strong leader and member of our executive team with Janice’s retirement,” Sampson said. “Janice played a significant role in supporting the growth of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for the past five years, from a financial, operational, and technological perspective, and we’re excited she’ll be able to pursue personal interests as she transitions from our organization.”