Meet the Board of Directors
2024 Executive Committee
Chuck Kobdish
WORK LIFE:
DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC, AND FOUNDER OF BACKMENDERS - CHIROPRACTIC WITH CARE, “BOSS’ DAD” AND "CHIEF SALES DUDE" FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD SON'S SPICED PECAN BUSINESS, CHARLIE'S TREATS - KID MADE, KID OWNED.
COMMUNITY LIFE:
MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER SINCE 2008, CARTER BLOODCARE - 135 DONATIONS / OVER 16 GALLONS, EAST DALLAS NETWORKING-CO-FOUNDER, MEET! EAST DALLAS – FOUNDER, LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY- ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS BOY SCOUT TROOP 43 - SCOUTMASTER.
HOME LIFE:
MY WIFE AND I MOVED TO LAKEWOOD HEIGHTS IN 2000. MARRIED TO SONIA, MY FAR BETTER HALF. PROUD FATHER TO EMME, WHO DRINKS THE AGGIE KOOL-AID, AND CHARLIE, AT CISTERCIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN IRVING, BUT OUR RESCUE DOG, “RICKY BOBBY” RULES THE HOUSE.
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
I GREATLY ENJOY CONNECTING DAILY WITH THE BEAUTIFUL, CRAZY, SELFLESS, ECLECTIC HUDDLED MASSES OF EAST DALLAS. FRIENDS EVERYWHERE I GO! HOW LUCKY AM I TO CALL EAST DALLAS "HOME"?
Mark Ramsey
WORK LIFE:
I am the Owner/CEO of Business Solutions Technology. Focusing on Manufacturing of toner for printers and other office needs. We have been in business since 2009 and have been able to have a national footprint with 8 warehouses throughout the country in order meet our customers needs.
Earned BBA from Ole Miss 1988
Earned MA (Education) SWBTS 1992
COMMUNITY LIFE:
Board Member – 100 Men of Dallas
Founder/Board Member of Bryan Adams HS Athletic Booster Club 2016-Present
President/Board Member Dallas Little League Baseball – 2006-2009, served on the committee that was responsible for Building the Little League Fields at Winfrey Point
HOME LIFE:
Two Phenomenal “young adults” that are a gift!
-a Daughter who will be a JR at Midwestern State Univ
-a Son who has finish college and Owns his own Business
Love being out and about in East Dallas, a great patio, a great margarita with some live music, doesn’t get much better than that!
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
I was born and raised in a small town in MS., but have lived in East Dallas since 1995. I love East Dallas, it is a very unique place to live that affords us so much – Great Restaurants, Great People, the Lake, the Trails, it has to “feel” of a small town and that rare in a city like Dallas, we are fortunate to live in this area and I cannot imagine living in any other area of Dallas. What a GREAT place to “Do Life!!”
Mark Rounds
WORK LIFE:
I AM CHIEF AUDIT EXECUTIVE FOR ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY
HOME LIFE:
I AM MARRIED WITH TWIN DAUGHTERS. I SPEND MOST OF MY TIME ATTENDING SPORTING EVENTS FOR THE GIRLS AND SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I LOVE WALKING THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND AROUND WHITE ROCK LAKE.
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
I HAVE LIVED IN EAST DALLAS SINCE I MOVED TO DALLAS IN 2005 AND LOVE THAT THE BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS ARE VERY WELCOMING AND FEEL LIKE HOME.
Karen Hettrick
WORK LIFE: I HAVE BEEN IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FOR 17 YEARS, FIRST AS A LICENSED REALTOR WITH COLDWELL BANKER AND THEN AS BUSINESS DEVELOPOMENT DIRECTOR WITH ALLEGIANCE TITLE. I AM CURRENTLY WITH THE SAYRE HETTRICK GROUP AT BRIGGS FREEMAN IN THE LAKEWOOD OFFICES.
COMMUNITY LIFE: I HAVE BEEN VERY INVOLVED IN ALL OF THE ORGANIZATIONS MY THREE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS INCLUDING (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH AND SCHOOL, BISHOP LYNCH HIGH SCHOOL; THE DALLAS LITTLE LEAGUE; WHITE ROCK ROWING AND DALLAS UNITED CREW. IN ADDITION I AM INVOLVED IN THE EMERALD ISLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION; THE URSULINE ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION; THE TEXAS EXES AND THE BISHOPS GOLF TOURNAMENT.
FAMILY LIFE: MARRIED TO GREG SINCE 1998 AND WE HAVE THREE CHILDREN BORN AND RAISED IN EAST DALLAS- KATHLEEN, GEORGE AND JACK. WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE NEXT TO THE DALLAS ARBORETUM AND ADJACENT TO WHITE ROCK LAKE WHERE WE ENJOY BIKING, RUNNING AND PADDLING. AND IF THE WIND IS BLOWING JUST RIGHT, WE GET TO ENJOY A COOL THURSDAY CONCERT FROM THE COMFORT OF OUR OWN PATIO.
EAST DALLAS FAVORITE: ENJOYING THE DIVERSITY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD; THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE; THE GREAT INDEPENDENTLY OWNED BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS AND WONDERFUL PEOPLE THAT MAKE UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD. AND ENJOYING A COOL THURSDAY CONCERT FROM THE COMFORT OF MY PATIO AS NOTED ABOVE!
Deborah Brown
WORK LIFE:
I AM A DALLAS NATIVE AND A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF EAST DALLAS. AFTER GRADUATING FROM SMU, MY CAREER WAS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WORKED AT AT&T AND BRITISH TELECOM.
COMMUNITY LIFE:
SPARE TIME HAS BEEN DEVOTED TO ANIMAL RESCUE WHICH HAS BEEN SO REWARDING: GETTING THE SICK ONES WELL ENOUGH FOR ADOPTION, SPAYING AND NEUTERING, AND THEN FINDING HOMES FOR THEM.
HOME LIFE:
MARRIED TO HUSBAND NIGEL AND GUARDIAN OF THREE FELINES.
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
YOU CAN FIND US A MOMO ITALIAN KITCHEN EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT. I ENJOY RIDING MY BIKE ON THE BIKE TRAILS AND SAILING.
2024 Board of Directors
Rene Barrera
WORK LIFE:
AS A REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATE WITH OVER TWO DECADES IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE, I HAVE HELPED FOLKS AT EVERY LEVEL MEET AND EXCEED THEIR EXPECTATIONS IN THEIR HOME PURCHASING EXPERIENCE. I STRIVE TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTIONAL BUYING, SELLING, OR LEASING EXPERIENCE THROUGH INTEGRITY, CREDIBILITY, AND TRANSPARENCY AT EVERY PART OF THE PROCESS. I AM APPROACHABLE, ATTENTIVE, SUPPORTIVE, AND SHARP.
COMMUNITY:
MEETING AND NETWORKING TOGETHER WITH NEIGHBORS AND LEARNING MORE ABOUT DALLAS’ AMAZING HISTORY, ART, ARCHITECTURE, REVERED SPORTS TEAMS, AND WORLD-RENOWNED DINING IS WHAT I ENJOYENE ENJOYS MOST ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE GEDCC. MEMBER OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 799, WHITE ROCK PARTNERSHIP, KIWANIS CLUB OF WHITE ROCK, PAST MEMBER OF LEADERSHIP METROTEX,
HOME:
MY LOVE FOR EVERYTHING REAL ESTATE, ENERGY, AND DRIVE ARE PRESENT IN ALL MY ENDEAVORS. SPENDING TIME WITH WIFE, JULIE, OF OVER 20 YEARS, OUR TWO TEENAGERS, AND TWO RESCUE FURRY BABIES, BOLT AND COOKIE ARE MY DRIVING FORCE. RUNNING, BIKING, HIKING, SKIING, CRUISING MY VINTAGE 65’ VALIANT, MOTORCYCLING, TRAVELING, AND DINING WITH FRIENDS ARE WHAT MAKE ME WHOLE.
E DALLAS FAVORITE:
WHITE ROCK LAKE IS WHERE IT’S AT! AS FAR AS ANYTHING EAST DALLAS “I LIVE HERE, I LOVE IT HERE, AND I CAN HELP YOU HERE” IS MY MOTTO AND I FOLLOW IT EVERY DAY. WE HAVE IT ALL HERE AND IT’S WHY I CALL IT HOME!
Jenny Capritta
WORK LIFE:
As a seasoned REALTOR® with 30+ years of experience, I recognize the importance of buying or selling a home, not only financially but also emotionally. My utmost priority is to ensure a seamless and hassle-free process for all my clients. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, count on me to be your trusted guide throughout the entire journey.
COMMUNITY LIFE:
As a board member for the White Rock Lake Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting the restoration, improvement, and preservation of the lake's natural beauty. Our efforts benefit both people and the diverse wildlife that call this area home.
Furthermore, as a Children's Miracle Agent for CMN Hospitals®, I have the privilege of making a donation after each transaction on behalf of my clients. This organization plays a vital role in improving children's health within our community.
HOME LIFE:
Embrace the beauty of serene lake walks, be captivated by awe-inspiring sunsets, and immerse myself in the charm of our delightful, independently owned eateries and stores. I also treasure time with my daughter Madison and her husband Thomas at their Midlothian Ranch, where horses Kanin, Niko & Deetle, a loyal Siberian husky named Oakley, and adorable cats Jack, Ivy & Granger reside.
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
Attending the Dallas Arboretum’s Summer Concert Series and movies at the Alamo Draft House.
Martin (Marty) Ezelle, MBA, ChFC®
Martin (Marty) Ezelle, MBA, ChFC®
Partner | Financial Advisor*
Forge & Link Financial Group, LLC
WORK LIFE:
I HELP INDIVIDUALS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS THROUGH WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND FEE-BASED FINANCIAL PLANNING.
COMMUNITY LIFE:
I SERVE ON THE BOARD OF THE GREATER EAST DALLAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AM A MEMBER OF THE DFW CHAPTER OF THE UNC KENAN-FLAGLER BUSINESS SCHOOL.
HOME LIFE:
YOU CAN FIND ME BIKING OR WALKING THROUGH LAKEWOOD WITH MARIS, THE FRIENDLIEST DOBERMAN YOU’LL EVER MEET. I ALSO ENJOY LIVE MUSIC, GOLFING, ACTING AND FILMMAKING. DIE-HARD FAN OF THE CLEVELAND BROWNS, OHIO STATE FOOTBALL, AND NORTH CAROLINA BASKETBALL.
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
BIKING WHITE ROCK LAKE AND THE CONNECTING TRAILS.
*Financial Adviser for Eagle Strategies LLC. Eagle Strategies LLC is a New York Life Company.
Brad Grist
Kelly Harris
WORK LIFE:
I AM OWNER AND OPERATOR OF HILLSIDE INSURANCE SERVICES. AFTER 20 YEARS AS A FARMERS INSURANCE AGENT, IN 2021, I LAUNCHED AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY. WE SPECIALIZE IN PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES.
COMMUNITY LIFE:
I'M CURRENTLY CO-CHAIR OF THE GEDCC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. I SERVE ON THE PARENT ASSOCIATION BOARD AND AM OFTEN VOLUNTEERING AT MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOL, HIGHLANDER.
HOME LIFE:
MARRIED TO CHRIS FOR 20 YEARS, WITH TWO DAUGHTERS, CHARLOTTE AND JOSEPHINE AND TWO PUPS, HAZEL AND FRANKIE.
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
THE PEOPLE! I LOVE THAT EVEN THOUGH WE LIVE IN A BIG CITY, EAST DALLAS FEELS LIKE A SMALL TOWN.
Steve Moore
Dan Micciche
Term Began 2024
Term Expires 2027
Dan Micciche is partner emeritus at the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld. He has lived in Dallas since 1981, and has been a resident of Dallas ISD District 3 for over 25 years. He was first elected to the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees in 2012. He served as President of the Dallas ISD Board Trustees from 2016 to 2018, and has also served multiple terms as 1st Vice President and Secretary. Dan is a frequent speaker at school board events, neighborhood and community meetings.
Dan started and chaired his firm’s School Partnership Program with James W. Fannin Elementary School in Dallas from 2005 to 2012. The program won the State Board of Education’s gold level award for community partnerships in 2011.
Dan has received a number of recognitions for his work in public education, including the “No Kid Hungry” Award from Share Our Strength; “The Closing the Gap” Award from Leadership ISD; the “Voice of Children Award” from Children at Risk; as well as awards from the Texas State Teacher’s Association and the Ferguson Road Initiative in appreciation of his service to Dallas ISD.
Dan received his B.A. with highest honors from Stony Brook University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. He also received a master’s degree in Education Policy & Analysis from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Dan has been recognized by clients and peers in The Best Lawyers in Americafor 16 consecutive years; inChambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for 20 consecutive years; in Texas Super Lawyers for 17 consecutive years; and as one of the best lawyers in Dallas by D Magazinefor 11 consecutive years.
Dan’s civic and charitable activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Dallas, the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. He also served on the Mayor’s Task Force on Ethics Reform, which drafted and recommended a sweeping ethics reform proposal that was adopted unanimously by the Dallas City Council.
Dan was also the former vice chair of Texas C-BAR (Community Building through Attorney Resources), a pro bono organization. In addition, he previously served on the School Finance Task Force of the Greater Dallas Chamber; the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas; and Comptroller’s Tax Advisory Group under three different Comptrollers.
Dan is a 1999 graduate of the Greater Dallas Chamber’s Leadership Dallas Program and a 1998 graduate of the Leadership Arts Program of the Dallas Business Committee for the Arts.
Dan served on his firm’s associate and counsel compensation committees for over ten years and also coordinated the associate and counsel evaluation process for many years. He also served as the hiring partner for the firm’s Dallas office for many years. He was the recipient of the firm’s first Partner Recognition Award for his mentoring of counsel and associates and the firm’s Pro Bono Partner of the Year Award. He was the 11th lawyer inducted into Akin Gump’s “Pro Bono and Public Service Hall of Fame” based on his contributions to pro bono and community service throughout his legal career.
Steve Moore
WORK LIFE:
IT CONSULTANT
COMMUNITY LIFE:
I AM CHAIR OF GEDCC TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE, VICE CHAIR REAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE
PART OF DALLAS IT COMMUNITY, VOLUNTEER AT CHILDREN’S SCHOOL
BOY SCOUTS FOR OLDER SONS MATTHEW AND CHARLIE
HOME LIFE:
I AM MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN, ENJOYGOING TO LIVE BAND/CONCERT EVENTS, HOUSE REMODELING, VOLUNTEERING WITH KIDS SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
THE CLOSE KNIT COMMUNITY, MULTIPLE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
Jason Myers
WORK LIFE:
I HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE FASTSIGNS ORGANIZATION FOR OVER 27 YEARS. I BEGAN IN 1996 WORKING FOR MY PARENTS' LOCATION IN NORTH CAROLINA AND THEN RELOCATED TO DALLAS TO JOIN THE CORPORATE TEAM LEADING THE TRAINING TEAM AND NEW CENTER SUPPORT TEAM FOR THE MAJORITY OF THAT TIME. I PURCHASED FASTSIGNS OF EAST DALLAS IN JANUARY, 2019 AND NOW LEAD A FANTASTIC TEAM OF PEOPLE WHO ARE DEDICATED TO THE EAST DALLAS COMMUNITY.
FAMILY LIFE:
MY WIFE, JACKIE, AND I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR NEARLY 28 YEARS. WE HAVE OUR TWO FUR BABIES, KIMBER AND RUGER, WHO ARE OUR NOW SENIOR DOGS. I ENJOY (MOST OF THE TIME) PLAYING GOLF. I ALSO LOVE TO FISH AND HUNT.
EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
WHITE ROCK LAKE IS SUCH A GREAT PLACE NESTLED IN THE CITY AND THE WONDERFUL, DIVERSE RESTAURANTS AND FAMILY BUSINESS HERE IN EAST DALLAS MAKE IT A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS, RELAX AND HAVE FUN!
Roger Perry
WORK LIFE:
I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN THE EAST DALLAS COMMUNITY AND BUILD THE SCHOOL’S ENDOWMENT TO INSURE ITS LONG TERM SUCCESS.
COMMUNITY LIFE:
LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
DALLAS ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STATE FAIR OF TEXAS DEVELOPMENT CABINET
STATE FAIR OF TEXAS YOUTH LIVESTOCK AUCTION
HOME LIFE:
I AM MARRIED TO VIRGINIA FOR 49 YEARS, TWO GROWN SONS, AND FOUR GRANDCHILDREN.
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
I ENJOY SUNSET AT LAKEHILL’S ALICE AND ERLE NYE FAMILY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Laura Porting
WORK LIFE: I HAVE WORKED IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR FOR MANY YEARS. I CURRENTLY SERVE IN A DEVELOPMENT ROLE AT JULIETTE FOWLER COMMUNITIES AS THE LEAD OF OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM AND SPEAR-HEADING OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE. I LOVE WORKING AT FOWLER SERVING OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION OF OLDER ADULTS AND AT-RISK YOUTH.
COMMUNITY LIFE: I AM AN ACTIVE MEMBER AND VOLUNTEER OF ST THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE PART OF A LOCAL INTRAMURAL LEAGUE WITH DALLAS SOCIAL CLUB.
FAMILY LIFE: MARRIED IN APRIL OF 2020, DANIEL AND I ARE COMING UP ON OUR 3RD ANNIVERSARY! WE LOVE TO TRAVEL, MEET OUR FRIENDS FOR DINNER AT NEW PLACES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND VISIT OUR FAMILY ON THE WEEKENDS DOWN ON OUR THOROUGHBRED HORSE RANCH IN CORSICANA.
EAST DALLAS FAVORITE: WE ENJOY LONG WALKS ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL, FREQUENT THE ARBORETUM – ESPECIALLY DURING THE TULIP FESTIVAL! AND PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE SHOWS AT MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK!
Thomas Zepeda
WORK LIFE:
I AM ORIGINALLY FROM HOUSTON AND HAVE CALLED DALLAS HOME SINCE 2007. I AM A LICENSED REALTOR THAT HAS BEEN IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY HERE IN DALLAS FOR OVER 15 YEARS NOT ONLY ASSISTING CLIENTS BUY AND SELL HOMES BUT WITH CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS, PROVIDING SUPPORT, GROWING TEAMS, AND MANAGING MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR REAL ESTATE COMPANIES. I TRULY UNDERSTAND THIS BUSINESS INSIDE AND OUT. I BRING A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE, BREADTH AND DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE THAT PROVIDES UNPARALLELED SUPPORT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE TO MY TEAM AND THE CLIENTS THEY SERVE.
COMMUNITY LIFE:
I AM ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY AND FUNDRAISE FOR A NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS PULMONARY HYPERTENSION ASSOCIATION, LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA AND THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY.
FAMILY LIFE:
I RESIDES IN EAST DALLAS IN LIL CASA VIEW WITH WIFE CHRISTINA AND DOG TRIXIE. I ENJOY GOLF, CYCLING AMONGST OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. I CAN OFTEN BE FOUND CYCLING AROUND WHITE ROCK LAKE AND THROUGHOUT DALLAS.
EAST DALLAS FAVORITES:
WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE LIVING IN EAST DALLAS! WE HAVE SOME OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS, PATIOS, AND COMMUNITY THERE IS. SOME OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO ARE TAKING WALKS WITH OUR PUP OR CYCLING TO LOCAL PATIOS FOR GREAT FOOD AT SOME OF OUR LOCAL FAVORITES OR ENJOYING ALL THE GREAT MUSIC THAT EAST DALLAS HAS TO OFFER FROM STARPLEX TO THE DALLAS ARBORETUM, DEEP ELLUM, THE GOAT, AND GOODFRIEND. WE TRULY HAVE IT ALL AND LOVE IT!
Advisory Board
Brian Bessner
Darlene Ellison
Susan Falvo
Mike Nurre
Fred Welsh
Darlene D. Ellison
WORK LIFE:
COMMERCIAL LENDING, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, WOMEN IN BUSINESS FOUNDER
COMMUNITY LIFE:
LAKEWOOD SERVICE LEAGUE AND WOMEN IN BUSINESS PROGRAM FOUNDER, MENTOR- SMU COX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MENTOR-ALLIANCE PROGRAM, DALLAS SPORTS COMMISSION-ADVISORY BOARD, WHITE ROCK PARTNERSHIP, BLOGGER “EVOLUTION OF SHE”, FRIENDS OF WILKINSON CENTER, AND MOMMIES IN NEED ADVISORY BOARD
HOME LIFE:
I AM A NATIVE EAST DALLASITE AND PROUD MOM OF ALEXA, AUSTIN AND BONUS DAUGHTER, ELIZABETH. ALSO, MOM TO GOLDEN RETRIEVER “BOND”. AN AVID YOGI, COLLEGE FOOTBALL FANATIC AND LOVE TO TRAVEL
MY EAST DALLAS FAVORITE:
WHITE ROCK LAKE AND ANY EAST DALLAS RESTAURANT PATIO