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.
Dr. Lawrence D. Green (he/him/his)
Senior Organizational Advisor & Ombudsman
Lawrence serves as the ombudsman at TFN and as a thought partner to the President, Board of Directors, and senior leaders on key organizational matters.
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.
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
Jasmine Tellez (she/they)
Texas Rising Regional Program Manager
Jennifer Nguyen (she/her/hers)
Administrative Program Coordinator
Jessica Valdez (she/her/hers)
Administrative Manager
Levi Fiedler (he/they)
Political 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)
Human Resources Director
Palmer McLean (she/her/hers)
Bookkeeper
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 (no pronouns, name only)
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
