The Dallas Foundation announced multiple staff transitions this week in the wake of its recent appointment of Julie Diaz as President & CEO last month.
The Dallas Foundation shared that Jessica Shepard Watts, Ph.D. will serve as the new Chief Partnerships Officer. Jessica joins the Foundation with a 17-year career in development and external affairs that spans the nonprofit, education, and corporate sectors.
She most recently served as the Vice President of External Affairs at Axxess, overseeing the organization’s global corporate citizenship strategy, community partnerships, and executive initiatives. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at the University of North Texas, The University of Texas at Dallas, and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Jessica earned her Ph.D. and Master’s Degree, both in Public Affairs, from The University of Texas at Dallas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Texas-Arlington.
As Chief Partnerships Officer, Jessica will serve as one of the Foundation’s key external-facing team members, focused on directing their work with current and prospective donor partners, professional advisors, and key stakeholders to help create a more vibrant and opportunity-rich community for greater Dallas. She will lead the Philanthropic Partnerships team and begin planning for the Foundation’s centennial celebration in 2029.
In addition, Erin Osenbaugh will serve as the Foundation’s new Manager of Donor Services. She most recently served as the Manager of Alumni and Donor Relations with Leadership Austin, where she administered special events and worked closely with a portfolio of individual donors. She also honed her donor service skills during tenures at Austin Pets Alive!, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, and United Way of Greater Austin. Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from The University of Texas at Austin.
They also announced the addition of new team member Freddie Garcia in the new role of Senior Analyst of Applications and Data. Freddie comes to the Foundation after a 17-year career as a Senior Data Analyst at CitySquare, a local nonprofit which fights the causes and effects of poverty. As part of the Information Technology Team at the Foundation, Freddie will support the expanding suite of software applications and data related to strategic goals and donor’s philanthropic interests.
Freddie holds several key industry certifications, including Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDA), and we are thrilled to add his experience, commitment, and compassion to our team of philanthropic professionals.
Former Chief Impact Officer Drex Owusu has accepted a new opportunity at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science where he will serve as their Chief Learning Officer, overseeing the 35+ member learning team and expanding the museum’s educational and academic mission to reach more people in the community.
During his tenure, Drex led the Community Impact team’s efforts to broaden the scope and visibility of the Foundation’s work. Drex was instrumental in the launch and success of the Racial Equity Fund as well as the partnership in the Water Cooler at Pegasus Park.
Senior Director of Community Impact Brittani Trusty will join TexProtects as their new Director of Impact and Development. TexProtects, was originally founded 20 years ago as a fiscal sponsorship fund at The Dallas Foundation to prevent child abuse and neglect across Texas. Brittani will lead their development team while continuing to focus on impact, leveraging her experience with programs and research/evaluation to develop survey tools and instruments as well as support research reports and publications.
source: press release
