Leadership

Board of Directors
Board of Directors
The Junior League of Dallas Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and governance for the organization, ensuring the League remains mission-driven, fiscally responsible, and forward-thinking. Comprised of elected members, the Board oversees the League’s activities, property, and long-term vision, with an emphasis on integrity, transparency, and sustainability.
The Board is responsible for establishing and upholding governing policies, managing financial oversight, and ensuring operational continuity across all areas of the organization. Through thoughtful decision-making and strategic planning, the Board stewards the mission of developing women leaders and improving the Dallas community, while positioning the League for continued impact and relevance in the future.
Board members also serve as key ambassadors of the League’s values, supporting community engagement, championing volunteerism, and reinforcing the importance of inclusive, effective leadership at every level.

Lauren Combest
Active Member since 2009
Lauren is a proud fourth-generation graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Health Behavior and Health Education. She currently serves as an Account Director at Goodway Group, managing General Motors’ digital media campaigns in the South-Central Region.
Lauren joined JLD in 2009 and has held numerous leadership roles, including President-elect, Luncheon Chair, Communications Vice President, Recognition Chair, Project Chair for Baylor’s Twice Blessed House, New Member Committee Chair, and Nominating Member-at-Large. She is a graduate of the 2015 T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute.
Outside the League, Lauren is a member of the Dallas Alumnae Association of Alpha Delta Pi and the Dallas Alumnae Panhellenic Association. In 2019, she was awarded the Alumnae Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year award by the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation. She is also a proud member of the Leadership Dallas Class of 2026.
She and her husband, Steve, live in Lake Highlands with daughters Elizabeth and Audrey, and their two dogs, George and Peanut. Lauren enjoys Mahjong, pickleball, and cheering for the Longhorns.

Courtney Johnson
Active Member since 2015
Though she was born in Ohio, Courtney still considers herself a native Texan since her family moved back to DFW only a few weeks after her birth and remained in Dallas throughout her childhood. Courtney earned her BS in Biomedical Science at Texas A&M University and has built a professional career in healthcare administration. She currently serves as the AVP of Managed Care at the largest ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operator in the US, United Surgical Partners International (USPI), where she manages health insurance contracting for ASCs and surgical hospitals throughout their national portfolio.
Since joining JLD, Courtney has served in many leadership roles, including as Membership Vice President, Provisional Committee Chair, and Placement Committee Chair. Her first community role with JLD was as an Advocate with Dallas CASA, a volunteer position which she continues outside of her JLD service.
Outside of the League, Courtney lives in Lake Highlands with her husband, Bryan (BJ), and their three young daughters, Audrey, Hallie, and Molly. As a Texas A&M Football fan, you can find Courtney in College Station yelling for the Aggies with her family most Saturdays in the fall.

Jessica Stillwell
Active Member since 2019
A Fayetteville, Arkansas native, Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Vassar College in New York and moved to Dallas as a recent grad. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Philanthropic Studies through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy of Indiana University. Jessica has worked with and for nonprofit organizations for nearly a decade. After serving as Director of Development for a local nonprofit, she has spent the past five years as a consultant with Mission Advancement, where she supports human service organizations and independent schools of all shapes and sizes with capital campaigns, grant writing, and general fundraising strategy.
Jessica joined Junior League of Dallas in 2019 and has held several leadership roles including Signature Projects Grants Director, Community Outreach Chair, and JLD Leadership Institute Member-at-Large. She is a graduate of the 2024 JLD Leadership Institute (Formerly T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute) as well as the 2023 BoardBuild cohort.
Jessica is a Fayetteville, Arkansas native, as well as a member of the AFP of Greater Dallas and a local church. She enjoys traveling for business and pleasure, museums, OrangeTheory, and exploring Dallas with her husband Alex and their miniature dachshund, Bruno.

Sarah Hantak
Active Member since 2021
Sarah is a proud Dallas native with a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics and Business Administration – Marketing from Trinity University in San Antonio. She currently leads the Digital Experience Analytics team at Texas Instruments, where she has built a dynamic career since 2019, holding a variety of roles spanning customer analytics and marketing/sales technology.
Since joining the Junior League of Dallas, Sarah has contributed across multiple verticals, serving in community, signature projects, and communications capacities. Her leadership within JLD includes roles such as Grants for Innovative Teaching Project Chair, Emerging Projects Director, and Social Media Chair. She is also a 2026 graduate of the JLD Leadership Institute.
Whether in her professional or volunteer work, Sarah is passionate about maximizing technology investments, empowering teams, and leveraging data to drive informed decisions. When she’s not working, Sarah enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and making memories with friends and family alongside her boyfriend, Cage, and her pug, Madam.

Lexi Holt
Active Member since 2021
Lexi was born and raised in Southeastern Oklahoma and moved to Dallas in 2014 after graduation from Baylor University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science.
Lexi began her career as a Teach for America DFW Corps Member in Dallas ISD. She taught 10th Grade World History at Seagoville High School from 2014 – 2016 and earned the top testing scores in the district for her subject in 2015. From 2016 onwards Lexi’s professional experiences have included advertising, PR, political campaign marketing and management, and experiential marketing. Currently she works as the Experiential Marketing Manager for Sewell Automotive Companies.
Lexi’s first JLD placement was arrangements coordinator for the Centennial Gala in 2021. Since then, she has been a member of the R+D Committee, community volunteer for DCAC, and Impact Area Director for JLD’s Education & the Arts agencies.
Lexi lives in Farmers Branch with her fiancé Erik and dog Maggie. She loves walking, reading, traveling, and her at-home karaoke machine.
She lives in Lake Highlands with her husband, John, daughter Gwen, and their two dogs. She enjoys running, dancing, reading, taking family walks, and exploring all that Dallas has to offer.

Sarah Keller
Active Member since 2014
Sarah was born and raised in San Diego, California, and currently resides in Richardson, Texas, with her husband and three children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University.
Sarah is the Director of Communications at Cawley Partners, where she manages strategic communications, marketing initiatives, and branding efforts for the commercial real estate firm.
With more than 10 years as a Junior League of Dallas member, Sarah has served in a number of community volunteer roles and in various leadership positions, including Project Chair for The Family Place, Community Outreach Chair, and Committee Chair for Major Gifts. She is also a proud graduate of the JLD Leadership Institute.
When she’s not volunteering or working, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors, being active with her kids, and reading. Her longest-running personal commitment has been to her book club, which fuels her love for literature and engaging conversations.

Priscilla Wood
Active Member since 2018
Priscilla was raised in Dallas/Fort Worth and holds an AAS in Business Administration from Dallas College. She currently serves as the Director of Account Management for UnitedHealthcare, where she leads a team focused on client partnerships, strategic account management, and developing strong service experiences. She has spent more than a decade with the organization, growing through multiple leadership roles and participating in several mentorship and leadership development programs.
Since joining the Junior League of Dallas, Priscilla has served in a variety of leadership roles, including League Initiated Projects Director, Diversity & Inclusion Assistant Chair, JLD Leadership Institute Course Director, and Kids in the Kitchen Committee Chair. She is also a 2024 graduate of the JLD Leadership Institute. Her work across these roles reflects her commitment to member engagement and to strengthening the League’s connection with the Dallas community.
Outside of the League, Priscilla enjoys traveling, playing mahjong as a member of the Dallas Mahj Club, trying new restaurants, and cheering on her favorite Dallas sports teams. She is proud of her Latina heritage and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Priscilla also loves spending time spoiling her nieces and nephew. She lives in Dallas with her husband, Matthew, and their two dogs, Dobby and Luna.

Nina Threets
Active Member since 2020
Nina, born in Houston, holds a Masters Degree from Louisiana Tech University. She is a Vice President and Banker in the Dallas office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. For over a decade, Nina works closely with high-net-worth individuals—including business owners, corporate executives, private equity partners, and philanthropic enthusiasts—who seek trusted guidance in transforming their success into meaningful legacies. Prior to her transition into the finance industry, Nina was a world-class runner representing USA Track & Field on a global level. Hanging up her spikes and channeling that energy into her work with clients, Nina takes a consultative approach, empowering her clients to make informed decisions for their families, recognizing that their wealth is the result of a lifetime of dedication.
In the League, Nina has served as Finance Chair, Training and Support Treasurer, and Community Service Fund Treasurer. Her community placements include Booker T. Washington and the Park Improvement Project, and she is a 2020 graduate of the JLD Leadership Institute.
Outside of work and serving, Nina enjoys spending time outdoors, playing golf, exploring home interior design, and traveling. She is the proud mother of two children, Ramiah Leigh and William Carter.

Hannah Galvan
Active Member since 2017
Hannah Galvan is the Director of Food and Packaging Supply Chain at Wingstop, where she leads strategic sourcing and supply continuity initiatives across the brand’s system. She brings extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management, with a focus on supplier strategy, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration. Hannah earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from Oklahoma State University and her MBA from Texas A&M University–Commerce.
Hannah began her League journey in Tulsa before transferring to the Junior League of Dallas in 2017. Since joining JLD, she has held a variety of leadership and committee roles, including Placement Chair, Dallas Museum of Art Project Chair, and led the Inaugural Spanish Immersion Project Chair. She has also contributed to the organization through service on the Research & Development and Finance committees. Hannah is a 2020 graduate of the JLD Leadership Institute (formerly known as T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute).
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband, Alex, and cheering on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Annmarie Chiarello McInerney
Active Member since 2017
Annmarie Chiarello McInerney was born in Orange County, California, but got to Texas as soon as she could and is a proud double Longhorn; earning both her undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Texas. She is a Shareholder in Winstead PC’s Restructuring & Insolvency group in Dallas, where she represents lenders, financial institutions, trustees, and other parties in complex Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. She has been recognized as an ABI 40 Under 40 honoree and Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine, among other honors.
During her time in JLD, Annmarie has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout her membership. She participated in the JLD Leadership Institute as a Class Member and later returned as Alumnae Liaison. Most recently, she served as Leadership Development Chair leading the Women’s Leadership Summit, BoardBuild, and other leadership development efforts. Annmarie is passionate about empowering women in both the legal profession and the broader community, and finds her greatest fulfillment in creating opportunities for diverse teams to lead, connect, and thrive.
Annmarie lives in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas with her husband and golden retriever, Henley, and enjoys running, being far too competitive playing mahjong, skiing, walking Henley, traveling, and cheering on the Texas Longhorns (and sincerely believes every August that they will win the College Football National Championship).

Audrey Maxwell
Active Member since 2015
Audrey was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She holds a BS in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and earned her Master of Architecture from Arizona State University. Audrey is an Associate/Senior Architect at DSGN Associates, where she oversees a diverse portfolio of projects. She is a licensed architect and soon to be registered interior designer. In 2024, she was recognized by the American Institute of Architects with the Young Architect Award.
Audrey has a strong record of professional and community service. She is a past president of the Texas Society of Architects, a former board member for the Epilepsy Foundation Texas, and a volunteer foster for local rescue group, A Voice for All Paws.
In the League, she has held roles as Signature Projects – League Initiated Projects Director, Kids in the Kitchen Project Chair, Research & Planning Member-at-Large, and is an alumna of the JLD Leadership Institute.
Audrey lives in Dallas with her three resident cats and a revolving door of temporary fosters. She is passionate about building a better world using her unique skills as an architect and giving back to her local community through meaningful service. In her free time, she loves long runs with her running club and traveling to new places.

Megan LaDriere White
Active Member since 2014
Megan was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a second-generation League member, with her mom, sustainer Anne LaDriere, encouraging her to join. Megan holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University. As a patent attorney and litigator at Baker Botts L.L.P., Megan helps companies protect their technology thoughtfully.
Since joining JLD, Megan has served in a variety of roles across community, membership, development, Signature Projects, and training. Megan’s leadership roles include Chair of the Grants for Innovative Teaching Committee and Signature Projects Vice President.
She and her husband, Tim, live in East Dallas with their children Joey and Ginny and pups Blake and Biscuit. Megan loves her work as a part-time fitness instructor at female-owned Grit Fitness, encouraging women to lift heavy weights and become stronger physically and mentally. She also enjoys game nights, musicals, and cheering on her beloved Fighting Irish.

Jessica Berend
Active Member since 2015
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Midwestern State University and currently serves as Senior Manager of Research at FOX Deportes. In her role, she leads research and insights that inform programming, audience strategy, and advertiser positioning, helping drive data-informed decisions across the network.
Since joining the Junior League of Dallas in 2014, Jessica’s experience has spanned Training, Membership, Communications, and Development. She has held multiple Leadership Council roles, including Chair of Research & Development, Social Media, and Membership, and is a 2026 graduate of the JLD Leadership Institute. She is passionate about creating meaningful member experiences and supporting the growth and development of others.
Jessica and her husband, Shannon, live in Lake Highlands with their Havanese, Waylon. She enjoys reading, hosting friends and family, and never passes up a good Tex-Mex spot, especially if the salsa lives up to her standards.

Jennifer Tobin
Member since 2000
Jennifer Tobin is a dedicated community leader and has been an active member of The Junior League of Dallas for more than 25 years, serving in numerous leadership roles, including President (2017–2018) and Finance Vice President.
A passionate advocate for volunteerism and community impact, she has chaired major League initiatives such as the 90th Anniversary Luncheon, the organization’s first, and the Community Volunteer Fair, and has remained actively involved on the Leadership Council for many years.
Beyond the League, Jennifer has contributed her time and leadership to a wide range of Dallas nonprofit organizations, supporting causes focused on families, education, healthcare, and the arts. She holds both a BBA and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University.
Professionally, Jennifer is a shareholder at Geary, Porter & Donovan, P.C., where she specializes in property tax litigation, bringing the same dedication and expertise to her clients as she does to her community work. Jennifer and her husband, Aaron, enjoy cheering on their children Anna, a student at The Hockaday School, and Ashton, a student at St. Mark’s School of Texas.
Leadership Council
Junior League of Dallas
2026-2027
Leadership Council
The Leadership Council brings together operational and programmatic leaders from across the Junior League of Dallas to implement the League’s mission through day-to-day activities, committee work, and member engagement. This group is responsible for executing the League’s goals in alignment with the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.
Serving as the engine behind the League’s impact, the Leadership Council oversees everything from community projects and member training to internal operations and signature events. Council members guide their teams, develop innovative initiatives, and ensure members have the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive.
Auction Chair: Kristen Kocis
Brand Strategy Chair: Nancy-Elizabeth Funez
Civic Collaborations Director: Charity Howard
Community Advisory Board Chair: Susanna Carrillo
Community Initiatives Director: Brandi Garrett
Creative Chair: Sara Korsmo
Development Communications Chair: Frances Key
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Chair: Danielle Ford
Education and The Arts Impact Director: Michelle Semtner
Education Chair: Uche Mba
External Communications Chair: Deirdre Grecco
Finance Chair: Anna Kelly
Governance Chair: Theresa Melia
Health & Wellness Impact Director: Alicia Lawson
Internal Communications Chair: Nicole Lipford
Junior League of Dallas Leadership Institute Chair: Elizabeth Card
Leadership Development Chair: Nikki Hearon
League Initiated Projects Director: Aleshea Carriere
Luncheon Chair: Katie German
Major Gifts Chair: Ann Marie Dreiling
Member Engagement Chair: Ellen Griswold
Membership Chair: Mauri Hinterlong
New Member Chair: Julia Tucker-Huth
Nominating Chair: Elizabeth Anderson
Placement Chair: Sydney Sutherland
Provisional Chair: Emily Ronck
Research & Development Chair: Claire Wimberly
Research & Planning Chair: Sally Ann Rivera
Signature Projects Grants Director: Trista Demby
Social Media Chair: Sydney Budke
Special Events Chair: Lauran Grant
Strengthening Families Impact Director: Alex Sullivan
Sustainer President: Joanna Clarke
Technology Chair: Kristin Spanos
Transfer Chair: Nikki West
Underwriting Chair: Mary Kelly Kennedy