Board of Directors
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Beverly Grogan
President of the Board Biographical Info Beverly is a long time community supporter especially when it comes to serving children. She serves as an Emeritus Member of the Dallas Children’s Theater Board of Advisors and has served enthusiastically and faithfully as a member of the Children First Board of Directors since October 2013. Reyes Flores
Immediate Past President Biographical Info In his professional life, Reyes is co-owner of Encompass Business Solutions. Joining us in February 2013, Reyes brings a passion to see the work of mental health agencies provide care with excellence and dignity. |
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Richard Whitman
Treasurer Biographical Info Richard is a well-known and respected mortgage professional. He joined the Children First board in February of 2009 and has actively led by example from day one. Richard is a true champion for children, also serving on the board of directors for Dallas Children’s Charities. |
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Julie Ramirez
Board Secretary, Facilities Committee Biographical Info Julie Ramirez is well known in the community as a successful realtor and dedicated servant leader. Early in her career, she began volunteering for the PTA, the YMCA, the Board of Realtors and other local organizations. In January 2020, Julie joined the Children First Board of Directors. We are blessed to have her energy and passion to further our vision of hope and healing for all. |
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Sharon Boshart
Board of Directors, Facility Committee Biographical Info Sharon brings a true spirit of service to her role as a community advocate after a successful career in administration at Lone Star Park of Grand Prairie, as well as the Grand Prairie Police Department. She also lends a wealth of knowledge about fundraising and foundations as a longtime member of the Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation. |
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Nancy Bridges
Board of Directors, Capital Campaign Committee Biographical Info Nancy has devoted her career to the field of education and is a natural cheerleader for all children and youth. Throughout her tenure with the Grand Prairie Independendent School District, she regularly supported nonprofits that served her students. Nancy joined the Children First Board of Directors in August 2020 and almost immediately began lending her talents to several committees. |
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Doug Bryan
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Chase DeBaun
Board of Directors, Facility Committee Biographical Info As Vice President of Aerofirma Corporation, Chase's expertise in the commercial construction industry is a key asset as our organization is preparing to renovate our newly purchased office building, a first in Children First's 42 year history. Chase is a dedicated husband and father who clearly has a sincere care and concern for the children and families we serve. |
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Marcy England
Board of Directors Biographical Info Children’s Advocate Marcy England dedicates much time to serving the needs of children. She joined the Board of Directors in February 2007 and her commitment to the Children First Board of Directors is unparalleled, even serving for a time as interim Executive Director in mid-2008. |
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Clayton Fisher
Facility Committee Chairman Biographical Info Clayton is a Certified Financial Planner with the Dix–Fisher Financial Consulting Group of US Capital Advisors. He has served on the Children First Board of Directors since 2009 and provided strong and positive leadership as the 2019 President. |
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Don Goldsmith
Governance Committee Biographical Info Don Goldsmith is a Vice President with BancorpSouth and an active community servant. He joined the Children First Board of Directors in May 2003, making him one of our most tenured directors. He currently serves on the Governance Committee. |
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Michelle Madden
Board of Directors, Facility Committee Biographical Info Michelle serves the Grand Prairie community as the President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce. She is also a very active community volunteer working on other children and family related organizations. Michelle was added to our board of directors in August 2017 and has very generously used her talents and excitement to further the combined efforts of the board. |
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Prudence Mathis
Board of Directors Biographical Info Prudence is the Public Relations and Awareness Director for the David Nicklas Organ Donor Awareness Foundation based in Grand Prairie. She also shares her heart and energy with several nonprofits and is one of the most enthusiastic community servants to ever grace the Children First Board of Directors. She has served Children First since February 2008. |
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Chief Daniel Scesney
Board of Directors, Car Show Chairman Biographical Info Daniel Scesney joined the Children First Board of Directors in March 2017 shortly after his promotion to Assistant Chief in the Grand Prairie Police Department. Sworn in as Grand Prairie's new Police Chief as of January 2020, Chief Scesney has reaffirmed his commitment to support and guide Children First. Under his leadership, the Grand Prairie Police Department's Annual Car Show benefiting Children First was established in 2018, and has proven to be an exciting event for fundraising and child abuse prevention awareness. |
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Mildred Walker
Board of Directors, Capital Campaign Committee Biographical Info Mildred Walker owns The Oasis at Joe Pool Lake and Lynn Creek Marina. She is also a founding member of our agency’s board of directors who returned to us in February 2010. Mildred’s many years of business experience and board leadership are a true asset to our board and to those we serve. |
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Sammie Walker
Board of Directors, Capital Campaign Committee Biographical Info Sammie Walker has devoted her life to educating and uplifting children throughout her professional career as a retired school teacher and school counselor. She has continued to inspire students as an adjunct professor at North Lake College. Children First is now benefiting from her considerable talents, professionalism and attention to excellence. |
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Gail Wills
Board of Directors, Capital Campaign Committee Biographical Info Gail is a Past-President who has served multiple terms in that role for Children First. Her long history with this agency and her expertise as a CPA is a great asset in charting the direction of the agency. Her commitment to the work of this agency is clearly evident in every aspect of board service. |
Advisory Board Members
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Bryan Arnold
Advisory Board Member; Golf Tournament Co-Chair Biographical Info Bryan Arnold is an attorney representing clients in the family court system. His profession provides much insight into the issues of child abuse and domestic violence. Bryan joined our board in October 2008. |
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Jayne Christian
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Entrepreneur Jayne Christian is a veteran board member with impeccable business instincts and a true desire to positively impact her community and children in need. This is Jayne’s second stint of service with Children First but her connection to this board dates back to May 2003. |
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Mary Dominguez-Santini
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Mary Dominguez-Santini accepted an invitation to serve on the Board of Directors in 2013. Mary serves on multiple boards in the local community always sharing her heart for service, as well as her professional resources. Mary is the owner of North Texas Elite Special Event Planning and Catering. |
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Steve Dye
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Former Police Chief and current Deputy City Manger Steve Dye’s commitment to victims of crime is clear as he serves as an adviser to Children First and also as a board member of a local family violence shelter. He speaks numerous times each year at local events to let members of our community know how they can assist these organizations in preventing crimes and where to seek help in recovery from violent crime. |
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Greg Giessner
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Councilman Giessner joined the Children First Board of Directors in November 2000, prior to his election to the Grand Prairie City Council. He continues to be an avid supporter of Children First and other local charities. |
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Stan Graff
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Stan Graff of Graff Chevrolet joined our Advisory Board in January of 2013. The Graff family name is synonymous with progress and service in our local community. We welcome Mr. Graff’s influence and input on behalf of the children and families served by Children First. |
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Ron Huggins
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Ron Huggins of Huggins Honda adopted Children First as the beneficiary of his annual golf tournament over two decades ago. Still serving each year as the host and title sponsor of Golfun, Ron’s efforts have touched thousands of lives through his support of Children First. |
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Cole Humphreys
Biographical Info Cole owns and operates Austin Insurance, a full service agency. He is a young businessman who loves Grand Prairie and the surrounding community. He is a great supporter of Children First, even serving previously as President of the Board of Directors. |
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Eddie Bernice Johnson
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Congresswoman Johnson is well known for her service to Grand Prairie and her entire district. We are so pleased that she has chosen to lend her support and influence to Children First. |
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Pastor Brian Loveless
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Brian is not only a dedicated pastor and father, but a great community supporter. He brings big ideas, enthusiasm and wisdom to Children First as a member of our Board of Advisers. |
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Renee Medrano
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Renee Medrano and husband Mike are partners in two Texas Roadhouse Restaurants. The Medrano family is well known for giving their full support to community service and this has certainly been true of Renee’s service to Children First since February of 2008. |
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Paula Newman
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Paula Newman joined our board in February 2008 while serving as Vice President at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie. Her sharp analytical mind is a great asset in charting a fiscally sound course for our agency. |
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Mark Penson
Advisory Board Member; Golf Tournament Co-Chair Biographical Info Mark Penson joined our Board of Directors in May of 2003 after training with the Blueprint for Leadership Program. Mark is a past-president of our board and brings a dynamic and positive attitude to everything he does. Together, he and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are a winning team for Children First. |
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Don Pinkard
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Don Pinkard joined our Board of Directors in July of 2009 after training with the Blueprint for Leadership Program. Don quickly became a stellar member of our board. As business travel made it difficult to attend monthly meetings, he moved to our Advisory Board and remains a valued member of our leadership team. |
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Chris Turner
Advisory Board Member Biographical Info Grand Prairie is blessed to be represented at the state capitol by the Honorable Chris Turner. Even before joining the Children First advisory board, he had demonstrated support of our mission. We feel privileged to have his influence and involvement to help further this important work in our community. |
