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. Martin

Executive Director

Maria Valenzuela

Director of Finance & Operations

Susan Hopper

Director of Communications and Marketing

 

Kerry Goodwin

Special Projects

Zitziki Sanluiseño

Membership Administrator & Event Coordinator

Our Board Members

Hunter Bickford, Grove at White Rock Hills Resident

Sara Chelette, Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegman –Partner Forest Hills Resident

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

Hayden Graham Hanson, Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegman-Attorney

Brian Harper, Treasurer, Lone Star Credit Union, CFO

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

Karl Zavitkovsky, Director Economic Development, City of Dallas, Retired

Are you interested in serving on the FRI Board of Directors?
Click here for the Board of Directors application.

Our Advisory Council

Ann Cooke Bagley Bagley Associates LLC (2020)

Ken Benson Ken Benson & Associates (2020)

Bobbi Bilnoski Concinnity Network, President (2010)

Daniel Davis Clayton Public Opinion (2024)

Janice Estes SPCA, retired (2024)

David Farrell Farrell Architects (2024)

Carmelita Gallo YMCA Metropolitan Dallas, retired (2018)

Jessica Hernandez Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space (2024)

Helen Holman Civic Leader (Retired) (2010)

Chuck Kobdish Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, President (2024)

Ryan Krone, Ph.D. Independent Researcher (2026)

Matt Nicolette, Ph.D., PLA, ASLA Assistant Professor in Landscape Architecture, Clemson University (2023)

Jeff Patton JBL Partners, LLC (2024)

R. Gray Powers Exchange Club of East Dallas (2025)

Liz Renfro Texas Urban Living (2010)

Mel Renfro Dallas Cowboy, HOF (2010)

Becky Reed BAaaS, CEO (2023)

Phil Ritter Chief Operating Officer, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (2010)

Marnie Wildenthal Civic Leader (2010)

(updated 8.2026)