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Improving high school graduation rates could produce significant wage increases resulting in stronger state economies. —Alliance for Excellent Education |
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Board of Directors Officers Karl Schmalz, Chair
Mr. Schmalz proudly advocates for CISDR, because he firmly believes in its mission to help at-risk schoolchildren stay in school and achieve academically, so that they can succeed in life. He speaks frequently to donors, Board colleagues and the community at large about the needs of at-risk children and the life-changing role that CISDR plays every day, child-by-child. He has advocated for CIS and CIS Dallas Region to state legislators in an effort to obtain additional statewide support for the children served by the organization. Mr. Schmalz’s strategic planning and financial backgrounds provide the basis for his advice to CIS Dallas Region and its Board as projections and long-range strategies are developed. He seeks to create a vision of growth for the agency while simultaneously planning for financial stability in light of ever-changing funding prospects. He has successfully worked with other Board members in seeking and securing funding for the ExxonMobil Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS) program. Mr. Schmalz graduated from Princeton University with an AB in Economics and received a JD from the University of Texas School of Law. He has been employed at ExxonMobil Corporation since 1975 and was recently named Assistant General Tax Counsel. In 2007, he was named CIS Texas Board Member of the Year. Bill Wallace, Board Vice Chair
Bill Wallace earned a BBA and an MBA from the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois. Besides serving on the CISDR Board of Directors, he has chaired the Education Committee of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the Program Committee of the Rotary Club of Dallas. Mr. Wallace has also been a member of the Dallas Historical Society, the City of Plano Heritage Commission, the SMU Center for the Study of Financial Institutions and Markets, the Duke University Bank Executive Program, and the board of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Norfolk Division. Bill Wallace is listed in the Who’s Who in America, and he has been a member for the American Economics Association, the American Statistical Association, the Mayor’s Task Force for the Norfolk Empowerment Zone, and the Rotary Club of Norfolk. Tony Fernandez, Board Vice Chair, Finance Committee Chair
Mr. Fernandez also lends support to CISDR programs through his sponsorship of community and title events. He and his company are regular sponsors of our Annual Kids Come First Gala through sponsorships and a golf getaway for the auction. This event raises funds to allow CISDR to continue to provide comprehensive services and academic support to at-risk students and their families within the Dallas region. Tony Pecina, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Pecina has a Bachelor of Science degree in Math from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Besides serving on CISDR's board and Finance Committee, he has also been a member of the Dallas County Grand Jury, a Public Member of the State Bar of Texas District Grievance Committee, a member of the board of the Southern Dallas Development Corporation, the Greater Dallas Community Relations Commission, the Phoenix Project, and the USA Film Festival. In his time at Southwestern Bell, Mr. Pecina served on the Minority Stakeholders Committee, chaired the Hispanic Advisory Committee and the Hispanic Stakeholder Committee, advised the Hispanic Communications Employees Association, mentored other employees, and advised the Community Relations Team. Tony Pecina is also a Volunteer Tax Counselor, as well was a member of the Baylor Athletic Alumni Club (Track) , the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber, the Minority Initiative Committee of the American Diabetes Association, the Multiracial Committee of the Dallas Citizens Council, and the Stemmons Corridor Business Association Board of Directors, as well as the President of the Southwest Dallas Baylor Club. Members At-Large Jeff Morris, Legislative Liaison, CISDR Endowment President
The CISDR Endowment is a separate 501 (c) 3 organization designed to provide financial support and long-term stability to CISDR. Its purpose is to help ensure that the organization will provide on-campus academic support and social services to at-risk children in the greater Dallas area for the long term. Mr. Morris currently serves as President of the CISDR Endowment Board of Trustees and as Legislative Liaison for the CISDR Board of Directors. He provides in-kind support through ALON USA’s lobbyist and personally advocates for CIS and CIS Dallas Region to state legislators in an effort to obtain additional statewide support for the at risk students served by this proven dropout prevention organization. Since 2000, Mr. Morris has been President and Chief Executive Officer of ALON USA where he oversees ALON USA’s businesses, which include four refineries, pipeline operations, terminal networks, asphalt production and branded fuel-marketing activities. In this capacity, Mr. Morris focuses on growth and acquisition opportunities for ALON USA. A seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Morris began his career with FINA in 1974. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 1974. An active alumnus, he is recognized as a Texas Tech Distinguished Engineer. In April 2008, he was named CIS Texas Board Member of the Year. Craig Anderson
Mr. Anderson also has extensive leasing experience, including landlord and tenant representation; office, industrial, and retail leasing, and build-to-suit transactions. He is also adept at structured finance and synthetic leasing. He represents developers in many areas, including office, retail, industrial, senior housing, condominium, hotel, and multifamily and single family developments. He comes to DLA Piper from Thompson & Knight, where as a partner in the Real Estate and Real Estate Finance practices he represented a broad range of clients, in particular banks and developers. He began his legal career at Vinson & Elkins, then served at Archon Financial as associate general counsel. Mr. Anderson also works extensively with tenant-in-common syndications and 1031 exchanges, including Delaware statutory trusts, private placements, and financial arrangements. He also has worked extensively in the workout, distressed and asset and debt areas. He has been named a “Texas Rising Star” in a polling process by Law & Politics and Texas Monthly magazines among Texas Super Lawyers, in 2004, 2005, and 2007. Glenn Anderson
Girish Bachani
Marie Diaz
Ms. Diaz served as Vice Chair of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber Board, was selected by Dr. Michael Hinojosa for the Superintendent's Community Advisory Committee and sits on the board of several organizations, including The Dallas Crime Commission, Dallas Independent School District and the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Marie has been recognized by US Senator John Cornyn for her contributions to her growth in business as a woman entrepreneur and community leader; by Senator Royce West acknowledging her personal accomplishments and for generously donating her time to the community; and by Congressman Eddie Bernice Johnson for her vision, mentorship and her continued leadership and commitment to helping others succeed. Marie is the proud mother of three boys and lives in Dallas. Bill Guess
Jack Hayes
Jack was a founding board member of Killeen Communities in Schools in 1992. When he moved to Dallas in 2001 he was privileged to join the board of Communities in Schools Dallas Region. Jack has always had a strong belief in the importance of education and has taught at both the secondary and college levels as well as serving on the board of regents of The University of Central Texas. He continues to teach part-time in what he terms "semi-retirement". Nancy Huff
She served as CFO-Corporate Secretary, Office Manager and H-R Director at DYNAMCO Inc. for over 30 years until her retirement in 2001. She is very active in volunteer work in McKinney serving as a CASA advocate for over 9 years and currently serves on the Boards of Medical Center McKinney, Children and Community Health Center of McKinney, and Communities In Schools Dallas Region. In 2006 she was selected as the Volunteer of the Year for McKinney. A mentor for many years for CISDR in McKinney she says "I can truly attest to the success of the CISDR program helping at risk children achieve their very best through one on one mentoring with gentle, caring, supportive guidance." Kathryn Hunteman
Kathryn grew up in the Dallas area and attended the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science. She received a BA in Psychology from the University of North Texas and a MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys sailing, golf, scuba diving and snow skiing. She is on the Board of Directors for CISDR and also coaches robotics at The Hockaday School in Dallas. Blake Lewis
Before starting his own agency in 2000, Blake worked for EDS in Plano, where he led formation of the first communications team for the company’s $2 billion electronic commerce line-of-business. Prior to joining EDS, Blake served on the senior leadership team of the Dallas office of Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, one of the world’s largest independent public relations agencies. Blake is recipient of a Texas Public Relations Association award for work defending ICI Explosives in litigation that resulted from the bombing of the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City and a recipient of two PRSA Dallas Pegasus Awards. Earlier in his career, Blake held various positions in communications, strategic planning, product development and association management with the American Heart Association in both Boise, Idaho, and Dallas; a regional Level-II Midwest medical center, a regional marketing communications agency, and the film and television production group of the Des Moines Register newspaper group. Blake graduated with distinction from Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in telecommunicative arts with a minor in sociology and counseling. He has taught public relations at Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, and guest lectured at Baylor University in Waco and Southern Methodist University in Dallas. An Accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, Blake was elected to the Society’s College of Fellows in 2005, is a past chair of the national Universal Accreditation Board, a past president of PRSA’s Dallas Chapter and a past chair of the Society’s Southwest District. He also co-chaired the 2008 PRSA national Volunteer Leadership Development Task Force and was a member of PRSA’s 2008 national Nominating Committee. He currently serves as an officer of PRSA’s Dallas Chapter. Carrie Najim Matthiesen
Carrie Najim Matthiesen is currently on the Board of Directors of the Najim Family Foundation. Established in December 2006, the Najim Family Foundation is aimed at helping children’s charitable organizations in the greater San Antonio area. Its primary focus is to help make a difference in the lives of children. The Foundation has given out over $21 million in grants and pledges to over 110 organizations since June 2007. Carrie Najim Matthiesen spent her 20 year career in Retail/Wholesale working as a Buyer for Dillard’s Department Store as well as her last position as a Senior Account Executive for Liz Claiborne where she managed the Dillard’s Missy Account with an annual volume of $28 million. Carrie resigned in October of 2008 to stay at home with her daughter, Lila. Carrie Najim Matthiesen was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University where she earned her BS in Home Economics; graduating Cum Laude in 1990. Since moving to Dallas in 1997, Carrie has been a member of the Dallas Junior League. She has spent time during the last 12 years volunteering her services to various organizations, including Parkland Hospital and Jonathan’s Place. Carrie is married and has a 3½ year old daughter. She enjoys running, yoga, and traveling. Becky Murphy
Born and raised in Starkville, Mississippi, Becky earned her BS in Home Economics and Agriculture from Mississippi State University, graduating Cum Laude in 1983. Since moving to Dallas in 1983, Becky Murphy has become involved in the community. Besides serving on CISDR's Board of Directors, Becky has been the Fund Raising Chairman for the Dallas Heart Ball/American Heart Association, served on the Women’s Advisory Board of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, acted as the IBM Liaison to the National Association of Women Business Owners, and volunteered with Junior Achievement and the Dallas Junior League. Becky Murphy has been married for twenty years. She is an avid tennis player, and likes sailing, running and traveling. Matthew Papenfus
Matt began his career with Turner Construction Company in 1990 in the Chicago Business Unit as a Field Engineer, and later relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a Project Manager for Turner's Special Projects Division, hi 1993, Matt was transferred to Kansas City, Missouri to work on several healthcare projects as well as a major pharmaceutical production facility holding positions as Project Engineer and Project Superintendent. Matt was promoted to Project Manager in 1998 on another healthcare project in Overland Park, Kansas, and in 2000, was promoted to Division Manager for Turner's Kansas City Special Projects Division. In August 2003, Matt accepted a transfer to Dallas, Texas to serve as Manager of that Business Unit. On January 1, 2005 he was made an officer of Turner Construction Company and was promoted to Vice President and General Manger for Dallas/Ft. Worth. Matt is proud of his community involvement revolving around kids and education. In 1999, Matt received the Thomas E. Purcell Award for his outstanding contribution to the Guadalupe Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Matt also just completed his first term on the Board as Vice Chairman for ACE of DFW which focuses on developing future leaders in Architecture, Construction and Engineering through local high schools. Matt and his wife Melissa, an early childhood teacher, reside in Murphy, Texas. John Scott
John Scott is currently Affiliate Finance Manager in the Treasurer's Department of Exxon Mobil Corporation. John received his B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and his M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. John joined Exxon in 1975 as a Financial Analyst in Exxon USA's Treasurer's Department in Houston. After a brief assignment in Exxon's Corporate Treasurer's office in New York, he transferred to Coral Gables, Florida in 1980, where he had a series of assignments including Treasurer of Esso Caribbean and Central America. In 1986, John was transferred to Esso Brasileira, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he served as Treasurer. He returned to the U.S. in 1989 to the Treasurer's Department of Exxon Company, International, where in various assignments his responsibilities included coordinating the International Finance Plan, managing the credit group, and working on project financing. After Exxon’s merger with Mobil, John was transferred to Dallas in his current position as Affiliate Finance Manager, where he is responsible for developing financing and dividend strategies for various worldwide affiliates. John is married with two sons and a granddaughter. Betsy Whitaker
Chace Whittington
President & CEO Sandra G. ChavarriaPresident & CEO Communities In Schools Dallas Region
Throughout her career, Ms. Chavarria has been instrumental in creating environments that support and enable people of all origins and backgrounds to reach their full potential. She began her career in education in Connecticut and New York City and then elected to serve with the Peace Corps in Paraguay. She later accepted a position as a faculty member at the American School in Guatemala City, Guatemala. While in Central and South America, Ms. Chavarria was called upon to develop programs that stimulated personal growth and fostered self-sufficiency for both children and adults. From 1972 to 1988, Ms. Chavarria worked with the Girl Scouts of the USA. As an Executive Director on a local level in Florida and California and then later as the Director of National Consulting Centers in Texas and New York, Ms. Chavarria was responsible for the overall management and delivery of professional services designed to reach the widest possible diversity of youth populations and also for attracting and maintaining staff and volunteers. Her innovative service models and human resource development approaches impacted Girl Scouts operations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Recognized for her personal commitment and leadership, Ms. Chavarria has been called upon to consult with numerous organizations including the United States Department of Education, the United States Department of the Interior, Indiana University, Purdue University, The Hispanic 50 and Harvard University’s Hauser Center. |
Karl Schmalz has been a dedicated leader for Communities In Schools Dallas Region, Inc. since joining the organization’s Board of Directors in 1991. Since 2001, Mr. Schmalz has served as the Chairman of the Board, and previously held the position of Chair of the Finance Committee. 
William H. (Bill) Wallace is an Adjunct Professor of Economics at the University of North Texas, where he has worked since 2001. Before that, he taught banking and financial markets in Russia under a Eurasia Foundation Grant as well as banking in Israel under sponsorship of Israel College in Tel Aviv. Mr. Wallace served as the Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia from 1991 to 1995. Before starting his academic career, Mr. Wallace worked in the Federal Reserve System from 1967 to 1991, first as Vice President & Research Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, then as Staff Director of the Federal Reserve Board, Washington, and finally as Chief Operating Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He has also served as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Duke University, a Teaching Assistant at the University of Illinois, and a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Finance Corps.
Tony Fernandez has been an active member of the CIS Dallas Region board of directors since 2000. He was appointed as the Chair of the Finance Committee in 2001 and CISDR Board Vice Chair in 2003. Mr. Fernandez diligently reviews and discusses the financial reports of CISDR with members of the Finance Committee ensuring that the board is informed of the financial condition of the organization. He instituted the production of “Worst Case” and “Best Case” financial projections over a six month period, an effective tool utilized by the Finance Committee. 
As College Community Outreach Coordinator, Antonio (Tony) Pecina oversees the College Transition Center, Dual Credit Program and Outreach activities at El Centro College, where he has also been an instructor in the Mathematics Department. Prior to that, Mr. Pecina completed a management career of over 30 years with AT&T (Southwestern Bell) and MCI. His management responsibilities have included external affairs, community relations, human resources, legislative support, design, testing and implementation of computerized customer invoicing systems and processes, hiring personnel required for operations, implementing personnel training, development and evaluation programs. 
Jeff Morris, President & CEO of ALON USA, has served on the Communities In Schools Dallas Region Board of Directors for the past 12 years. Embracing the idea that the success of our schools lies not only with students, parents and dedicated educators but also with partners in the private sector, Mr. Morris established the Communities In Schools Dallas Region Endowment with a $1,000,000 gift from ALON USA, as an innovative model for business and philanthropic communities to work hand-in-hand to benefit public schoolchildren. 
Craig B. Anderson's practice is a broad based real estate and finance practice, which includes the representation of lenders and borrowers in interim, construction, permanent, mezzanine, and equity financing secured by all types of real estate projects with extensive experience in the CMBS area. He has extensive experience in acquisition and development of all types of real estate projects, including purchase and sale agreements, construction contracts, reciprocal easements, and partnership and joint venture agreements. 
Marie Diaz is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pursuit Of Excellence, Inc., which offers a full scope of human resources offerings, i.e. HRIS/HR Consulting, Organizational Development, Payroll Processing, and Employee Benefit Administration and Recruiting. She is a strong advocate for small business growth and entrepreneurship as well as the growth and success of her community, the people who make it a success and most importantly helping others succeed. Marie also has a strong and demonstrated interest in education. 
Jack Hayes received both his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Duke University. He served five years as a Naval officer prior to civilian careers with Merrill Lynch, Inland Steel, and Sallie Mae. Jack then moved on to entrepreneurial endeavors for the ensuing 14 years in Central Texas and Dallas.
Nancy is a graduate of Connecticut College and the Harvard Radcliffe Program in Business Administration. 
Kathryn joined State Farm in July 2008 from Merrill Lynch. She has over 15 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. In addition, to having experience as a Financial Advisor, she holds the CIMA designation (Certified Investment Management Analyst) 
Blake Lewis is an accomplished communicator, with more than 30 years of experience in corporate reputation and issues management, crisis communications, media relations, technology communications, and association governance in corporate, agency and non-profit settings. During his career, Blake’s professional engagements have included development of strategies and tactics for a number of the nation’s leading businesses and organizations, in industries such as food production, financial printing, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, oil and chemicals, software development and marketing, telecommunications, transportation and utilities.
Becky Murphy is the Vice President of Sales for the Southwest Region of Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc., where she is responsible for a $220 million sales objective for a team of 54 people. Before starting with Sirius in January 2007, Becky spent over 19 years at IBM, where she held numerous sales positions ranging from Client Representative to Business Unit Executive. In her last position at the company, she was responsible for $550 million sales objective across the IBM brand portfolio.
Matthew (Matt) A. Papenfus holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and is completing a Masters in Construction Management from the University of Kansas. He is also a Certified Professional Constructor through the American Institute of Constructors. 
Since 1989, Sandra G. Chavarria has served as President and CEO of Communities In Schools Dallas, Inc. Under her leadership, the program has grown from serving five schools in the Dallas Independent School District to a highly regarded program and presence in more than 61 schools in ten school districts in six counties. 