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 Office Manager

Susan Hopper Director of Communications and Marketing

 

Kerry Goodwin Special Projects

Zitziki Sanluiseno Membership Administrator & Event Coordinator

Our Board Members

Hunter Bickford, Grove at White Rock Hills Resident

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, 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

Christopher Jackson, Vice-President, Wynne-Jackson, Principal

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

Karen Smith, Grove at White Rock Hills Resident

Dr. Eddie Tealer, Dallas College @ Eastfield Campus, President

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 (2019)

Bobbi Bilnoski Concinnity Network, President (2010)

Daniel Davis Clayton Public Opinion (2024)

Janice Estes SPCA, retired (2024)

David Farrell Farrell Architects (2024)

Jessica Hernandez Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space (2024)

Carmelita Gallo YMCA Metropolitan Dallas, retired (2018)

Helen Holman Civic Leader (2010)

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

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

Jeff Patton JBL Partners, LLC (2024)

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 10.2024)