Our Team

The Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation was organized as a project and a component fund of The Dallas Foundation in 2017.

The Foundation received its 501(c)(3) tax status in November 2018. Since its inception, the Foundation secured $40 million in public funds from the NCTCOG, worked with the City of Dallas to obtain $7 million in matching funds from the 2017 bond program, initiated the deck park concept design, conducted community meetings, and organized fundraising, governance, and design oversight functions.

Project Team

  • April Allen

    PRESIDENT & CEO

  • Chris S. Lyons

    CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

  • Anne Hagan

    VP OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

  • Jessica Muniz

    OPERATIONS MANAGER

  • Keith Bjerke

    PROGRAM MANAGER, BJERKE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

The Foundation’s Board is comprised of 16 dynamic members, representing community leaders, area businesses, and cultural institutions. The board is diverse in terms of age, race and ethnicity, gender, and profession. The board currently includes real estate developers with assets in the area, legal experts, neighborhood advocates, and community partners.

BOARD MEMBERS

Mike Gruber, Chairman
Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP

Lester Houston, Vice Chairman
President, Zoo Creek Park Neighborhood Assoc.

April Allen
President & CEO, Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation

Mike Ablon
Principal, PegasusAblon

Marilyn Augur
Founder, Marilyn Augur Family Foundation

Edwin Cabaniss
President, Kessler Presents

Paul Carden
Associate, Venture Commercial Real Estate

Stacy Covitz
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations, Methodist Health System

Michael Davis
President, Davis Business Services

Alan Dorantes
Senior Corporate Counsel, T-Mobile

Barry Hancock
Partner, Cienda Partners

Latosha Herron-Bruff, Secretary
Senior Vice President, Dallas Regional Chamber

Marvin Jackson
Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Archer Western

Tina Luna, Treasurer
Partner, PwC

Brentt Shropshire
Managing Partner, Shire Wealth Strategies

Roddrick West
Director of Development, Skyview Developments

Philip Wise
Partner, Cienda Partners