New Faces Join Dallas Foundation Board

By Isabella Castillo / Contributor

Five distinguished North Texas leaders have joined The Dallas Foundation’s Board of Governors. This diverse group brings a wealth of expertise to further The Dallas Foundation’s mission of bringing together people, ideas, and investments in a growing city and region. 

“Each new member brings a fresh perspective and a history of success in their field,” said Julie Diaz, President & CEO of The Dallas Foundation. “Their backgrounds and leadership skills will be crucial in advancing The Dallas Foundation’s goals, encouraging innovation, and making a positive impact on the community.” 

Joining The Dallas Foundation’s Board of Governors are:

Holland P. Gary serves as Principal and Chief Financial Officer of Carleton Companies and is the Founder and President of Salt River Capital. With more than 25 years of experience spanning private equity, real estate, and venture capital, he specializes in capital sourcing, deal structuring, and investment management.

Cynthia Yung Leano is the President of The Koz Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing mental health through medical science, the arts, and community initiatives. Her corporate background includes key roles at Nortel, where she contributed to wireless telecommunications and North American sales.

Trey Parker is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Sycamore Tree Capital Partners. With two decades of experience in credit and private equity, he brings deep expertise in strategic planning, market analysis, and asset management.

Alex Rose has been Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for Ashford Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., and Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. since 2021. His extensive background in legal affairs and corporate governance makes him a key leader.

Ashley Watson is at the helm of Commerce House, a Dallas-based advertising agency, where she drives strategy and digital innovation. Under her leadership, the agency has transformed its approach to advertising, revenue growth, and talent investment. Before joining Commerce House, she spent a decade on the west coast at The Designory, shaping marketing strategies for Audi of America.

For more information on The Dallas Foundation, visit www.dallasfoundation.org, Facebook or Instagram.