Board of Directors

Our Visit Dallas Board of Directors is comprised of a dynamic group of leaders representing diverse sectors of our community, from business and hospitality to civic and cultural organizations. Each member brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to elevating Dallas as a welcoming, must-visit destination. Together, they guide our vision and strategic initiatives, ensuring we deliver meaningful economic impact and an unforgettable Dallas experience to benefit our community and visitors.

Committee Chairs

Directors

Ex-Officio Directors

Meet the Team

Board and Executive Committee Chair

MARY PAT HIGGINS

President and CEO
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

Board Chair-Elect, Finance and Nominating Committees Chair

JAMES SMITH

COO/CFO
FC Dallas Soccer, LLC

Cultural Tourism Committee Co-Chairs

CHRIS HEINBAUGH

Chief Advocacy Officer
AT&T Performing Arts Center

TERESA COLEMAN WASH

Executive Artistic Director/Founder
Bishop Arts Theatre Center

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Chair

MARNESE BARKSDALE ELDER

CEO, Founder
Mecca Management Solutions, LLC

Experience Committee Chair

TRACI MAYER

Executive Director
Hotel Association of North Texas

Governance Committee Chair

MITZI TALLY

EVP, Administrative Services
Dallas Market Center

Marketing Committee Chair

STEVE KEMBLE

Principal
Steve Kemble Event Design

Sales Committee Chair

CHRIS PILAVAKIS

General Manager
Renaissance Dallas Hotel

Directors
APRIL ALLEN

President & CEO
Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation

ADAM BAZALDUA

Council Member, District 7

JEAN MAIER DEAN

President and CEO
Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers, Inc.

DUANE DANKESREITER

SVP of Research and Innovation
Dallas Regional Chamber

MOHAMMED FARSHORI

Chair
Asian Chamber of Texas

STEVE GOLDBERG

SVP, Operations & Hospitality
Southwest Airlines

KIYUNDRA JONES

President
Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce

MARIA MENDEZ

Vice President Government & Education - TX, OK, LA
CIGNA

JESSE D. OLIVER

Judge

RICK ORTIZ

President/CEO
Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

MAYUR “MIKE” PATEL

Managing Partner
Prosper Hospitality

VIRGILE RIVET

Director, Global Accounts - Corporate
American Airlines

BRUCE ROY

General Manager
Hilton Anatole

AMY THARP

Chief Operating Officer
Downtown Dallas, Inc.

GREG WHITE

General Manager
Westin Galleria Dallas

Ex-Officio Directors
KEN BUCHANAN

EVP Customer Experience & Revenue Management
DFW International Airport

PATRICK CARRENO

Director of Aviation
Department of Aviation
City of Dallas

CRAIG T. DAVIS, CDME

President and CEO
Visit Dallas

ROSA FLEMING

Director
Convention & Event Services
City of Dallas

MARIA CHAGOLLAN SMITH

Assistant Director
Office of Economic Development

Board Secretary
DARIELA ESQUIVEL

Director of Board Relations & Administration
Visit Dallas