Uptown Dallas Inc. announced that Jamee Jolly has been appointed as president and executive director of the nonprofit public improvement district, effective March 13.

“Dallas PIDs, like Uptown Dallas Inc., are on the forefront of urban planning and economic development,” Kevin Hickman, UDI’s chairman of the board, said in a statement. “Jamee has the leadership, expertise, and stewardship for policy management, government relations, and community collaborations which will bring much to the organization and to the district.”

A Dallas native and a former Uptown resident, Jolly is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Institute for Organization Management (IOM), and Certified Chamber Executive (CCE).

Creating positive change

“I’m honored to step into this role and lead the organization, build relationships, and advocate for the Uptown community,” Jolly said in a statement. “With Uptown Dallas Inc.’s goals, together we will blend new ideas and innovative solutions to create positive change and establish a solid future for the district.”

Jolly will lead the UDI team, work alongside the city of Dallas, and guide stakeholders through organization initiatives from public realm improvements and public safety, to maintenance, transportation, marketing and placemaking.

Former UDI Executive Director Kathy Stewart left the nonprofit to run for Dallas City Council, District 10.

Track record of growing impact

As president and CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, Jolly steered the organization, with over 1,200 memberships, to achieve 5-Star Accreditation status, Uptown Dallas Inc. said.

She also developed a three-year strategic plan while strengthening relationships between the chamber, city and school districts and helped transform that city by supporting economic development efforts to relocate major corporations such as Hilti North American, Toyota North America, Liberty Mutual, and JPMorgan Chase.

Jolly was the party-elect in 2021 for the Texas House of Representatives where she raised over $2.5 million to fund her campaign.

Jolly also led the Plano ISD Education Foundation for students, families, teachers, and classrooms, where she produced 400 new donors within her first year in the position; and the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association where she increased the political action committee contributions by 65% in one year.

She also held positions with The Real Estate Council and the Collin County Association of Realtors.

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