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 Office Manager
Susan Hopper Director of Communications and Marketing
Kerry Goodwin Special Projects
Zitziki Sanluiseno Membership Administrator & Event Coordinator
Our Board Members
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, Crowe Consulting Grove @ WRH, Resident
Gary Hasty, Heroes House, Veteran’s Housing
Art Hall, Lakehill Preparatory, Head of School
Brian Harper, Treasurer, Lone Star Credit Union, CFO
Shawn Lovelady, Methodist McKinney Hospital, CEO
Daniel Ortman, President 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
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 Benson, Ken Benson & Associates
Bobbi Bilnoski, Concinnity Network, President
W Plack Carr, Jr, Gas & Oil/Civic Leader
Daniel Davis Clayton, Public Opinion
Jeff Cuban, VP at HDNet/Magnolia Picture VP at The Wagner/Cuban Companies
Carmelita Gallo, YMCA Metropolitan Dallas, retired
Helen Holman, Civic Leader
Sharon King, Civic Leader
Becky Reed, CEO/Founder BRaaS
Liz Renfro, Texas Urban Living
Mel Renfro, Dallas Cowboy, HOF
Phil Ritter, Chief Operating Officer, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Richard B. Roper, (former U.S. Atty for Northern District) Thompson & Knight LLP
Lynn Vogt, Community Volunteer
Marnie Wildenthal, Civic Leader
(updated 1.2024)