FRI’s team of well trained and informed leaders allows our organization to thrive by providing a wide array of services that benefit the direct needs of our community.
Our Staff
In 2011, after being the recipient of $2MM over a decade through a Department of Justice initiative to fight escalating crime and violence, the FRI organization transitioned into a self-sustaining organization supported by our members. We downsized staff, streamlined programs, engaged our volunteers, and mobilized an active Board of Directors. Our focus is to communicate, advocate, lead and connect the citizens of Far East Dallas. Today we are focused on the CreekSide-Ash Creek Urban Reserve development, an amalgamation of amenities coming on-line to address the gaps in recreation, health, and transportation in our community. FRI is a “backbone” organization that utilizes its community volunteers and leverages resources.
Vikki J. MartinExecutive Director
Maria ValenzuelaDirector of Finance & Operations
Susan HopperDirector of Communications and Marketing
Our Board Members
Sam Downey, Assistant VP/Corporate Banking, Frost Bank
Melanie Flinn, White Rock Medical Center, VP Operations
Enclave @ White Rock, Resident
Gary Garcia, Dallas Foundation, VP Philanthropic Relations
Claremont Addition Neighborhood, Resident
Jared Greco, President
Oncor
Gary Hasty, Heroes House, Veteran’s Housing
Art Hall, Lakehill Preparatory, Head of School
Hayden Graham Hanson, Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegman-Attorney
Christopher Jackson, Vice-President, Wynne-Jackson, Principal
Daniel Ortman, Citigroup
Forest Hills N.A. Resident
Carmen Parra, CMIT Solutions, President
Marcy Phillips, Lone Star Credit Union, President
Christopher Rebuck, Bishop Lynch High School, President
Steven Spooner, Bank of America Private Bank, VP
Dr. Eddie Tealer, Dallas College @ Eastfield Campus, President
Karl Zavitkovsky, Director Economic Development, City of Dallas, Retired
Click here for the Board of Directors application.
Our Advisory Council
Ken BensonKen Benson & Associates(2020)
Bobbi BilnoskiConcinnity Network, President(2010)
Daniel Davis ClaytonPublic Opinion(2024)
Janice EstesSPCA, retired(2024)
David FarrellFarrell Architects(2024)
Jessica HernandezOwenwood Farm & Neighbor Space(2024)
Carmelita GalloYMCA Metropolitan Dallas, retired(2018)
Helen HolmanCivic Leader (Retired)(2010)
Chuck KobdishGreater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, President(2024)
Jeff PattonJBL Partners, LLC(2024)
R. Gray PowersExchange Club of East Dallas(2025)
Liz RenfroTexas Urban Living(2010)
Mel RenfroDallas Cowboy, HOF(2010)
Becky ReedBAaaS, CEO(2023)
Phil RitterChief Operating Officer, MeadowsMental Health Policy Institute(2010)
Marnie WildenthalCivic Leader(2010)
(updated 5.2025)