The Dallas Foundation has officially named interim president and CEO Julie Diaz as its next leader, effective April 1.
Diaz joined the foundation in 2019 as vice president of philanthropy and became interim director in May 2023 when former CEO Matthew Randazzo stepped down to join the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
Her background includes 35 years of nonprofit experience at institutions such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Greenhill School, and Southern Methodist University.
Lydia Addy, president of the Dallas Foundation, said in a statement that Diaz has an advantage over other candidates because she has lived in Dallas for nearly 20 years.
“Julie is not only one of the most talented and hard-working nonprofit executives in North Texas, but she has also lived in Dallas for many years and has deep knowledge of the important issues facing our city. I have,” she said. “Julie cares deeply about the many issues facing children and families, including everyone's basic needs, mental health, and educational opportunities.”
Founded in 1929, the foundation raised $162 million in donations and special event proceeds in 2022. According to its latest financial report, its total assets were just under $559 million at the end of 2022.
As the foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2029, Diaz will play a key role in helping the foundation secure more support for well-known and well-funded philanthropists. Diaz said this is her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference in the city she calls home.
“To me, this feels like an important vote of confidence in my leadership and the direction we want our soon-to-be 100-year-old foundation to take,” she said. “I've seen how much this city has grown, and we made a commitment to the city of Dallas that we would always support them with philanthropic dollars. It may sound lofty, but we plays an important role in working with people who want to make a difference.”
The organization has previously partnered with Texas Health Resources Foundation, Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, Fair Park First, Four Oak Cliffs, dallas morning news Even more people are connecting with philanthropists who can help fund their efforts.
Driving the organization's growth to keep pace with the city and its rapidly growing population is a top priority for Diaz.
“My hope is that my background in a resource-raising organization will help us find better ways to further the work we're doing, whether it's new donations or new foundations. ” she said. “These are relationship-driven businesses, and building deep relationships is so important. We can call on people to help us connect the dots. That's a big Make a difference.”
Staying on top of the city's biggest issues like homelessness, food insecurity, education and housing is something Diaz believes the Dallas Foundation can help solve in the coming years, Diaz said.
“Many people want to do charity work and give back, but sometimes they don't know where to start. That's where we can help,” Diaz said. “We have a lot of important work to do, and we have a great team here. We truly believe we can help our neighborhoods thrive. I’m really looking forward to being an ally.”
