Staff

Leadership

Val Benavidez (she/her/ella)

President & Executive Director
Val Benavidez is the chief spokesperson for the organization in all public matters. She is responsible for the development, planning, staffing, and implementation of all programs. Val became president in November 2020 and was previously the Texas Freedom Network’s chief program officer. Read Val’s full bio.

Carisa Lopez (she/her/hers)

Deputy Director
In addition to overseeing TFN’s day-to-day work and implementation to ensure we meet our priority goals and maximize collaboration and impact, Carisa serves as a strategic resource and helper within the executive team on issues relating to board development, fundraising, and strategic initiatives.

Kelsey Hitchingham (she/her/hers)

Vice President of Finance & Operations
Kelsey oversees TFN’s operational, administrative, and financial functions and works with the President and staff leadership to guide the strategy and programs of the organization.

Dr. Lawrence D. Green (he/him/his)

Vice President of People & Culture
Lawrence works to cultivate an equitable and inclusive organizational culture by using people-centered practices to ensure a healthy and sustainable organization while also serving as the head of Human Resources at TFN.

Marti Bier (they/them/theirs)

Vice President of Programs
Marti oversees the creation and implementation of programmatic work for TFN. They are a member of the leadership team and work with the Executive Director and VP of Finance & Operations to help guide the vision and strategy of the organization.

Staff

Alex Flucke (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Regional Program Manager

Anna Sanchez (she/her/hers)

Digital Coordinator

Bella Nieto (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Regional Program Coordinator

Dania Hindi (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Regional Program Manager

Emerald Belmarez (she/her/hers)

Senior Organizing Strategist

Emily Witt (she/her/hers)

Senior Communications & Media Strategist

Emma Ledford (she/her/hers)

Senior Communications & Digital Media Coordinator

Erica Wollman (she/her/hers)

Senior Executive Assistant

Esté Rodriguez (she/they)

Data & Technology Strategist

Estrella Torres (she/they)

Texas Rising Regional Program Coordinator

Felicia Simpson (she/her/hers)

Senior Development Coordinator

Gracie Israel (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Regional Program Coordinator

Imelda Mejia (she/her/hers)

Senior Communications Director

Ivonne Diaz (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Senior Regional Program Coordinator

Jasmine Tellez (she/they)

Texas Rising Regional Program Manager

Jennifer Nguyen (she/her/hers)

Administrative Program Coordinator

Jessica Valdez (she/her/hers)

Senior Administrative Coordinator

Lexy Garcia (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Statewide Program Manager – South

Liz Kufour (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Statewide Program Manager – North

Mark Corcoran (he/him/his)

Senior Digital and Technology Director

Maya Ferrer (she/her/hers)

Design Coordinator

Mel Leblanc (they/them/theirs)

Texas Rising Senior Regional Program Coordinator

Ofelia Alonso (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Director

Osmara Santana (she/her/hers)

Senior Human Resources Manager

Palmer McLean (she/her/hers)

Senior Office Manager

Rachel Glast (she/her/hers)

Senior Development Director

Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/hers)

Political Director

Sabrina Bustillos (she/they)

Digital Strategist

Seneca Savoie (he/him)

Organizing Director

Shan Schaffer

Faith Strategist

Shannon Young (she/her/hers)

Senior Donor Relations Manager

Stephanie Dominguez (she/her/hers)

Texas Rising Senior Regional Program Coordinator

Vivianna Perez (she/her/hers)

Organizer