Staff

Leadership

President & Executive Director
Kathy Miller (she/her/hers) is the chief spokesperson for the organization in all public matters. She is responsible for the development, planning, staffing and implementation of all programs. Kathy became TFN President in January 2005. Kathy previously served as Deputy Director from 1996 to 2000 and on the TFN Education Fund Board of Directors. (Click here to see Kathy’s full bio.)

Chief Program Officer
Val Benavidez (she/her/hers) oversees the creation and implementation of programmatic work for TFN. She is a member of the leadership team and works with the Executive Director and Chief Operating & Finance Officer to help guide the vision and strategy of the organization.

Chief Operating & Finance Officer
Ryan Valentine (he/him/his) oversees TFN’s operational, administrative and financial functions and works with President and Chief Programs Officer to guide the strategy and programs of the organization.

Communications

Research Director & Press Secretary
Dan Quinn (he/him/his) works with the news media on TFN issues and manages the organization’s research and public policy reports.

Deputy Communications Director
Jose Medina (he/him/his) helps develop and manage TFN’s communications strategies in the media, member communications and online.

Development

Development Director
Rachel Glast (she/her/hers) oversees fundraising for TFN and the TFN Education Fund, including securing critical resources, expanding the organization’s donor and membership base and obtaining foundation support.

Development Officer
Margaret DeWyngaert (she/her/hers) coordinates all aspects of annual giving, including organizational fundraising, special events, digital fundraising and stewardship for donor opportunities.

Major Gifts Officer
Shannon Young (she/her/hers) engages current and prospective supporters to create meaningful opportunities for investing resources in the organization.

Digital + Data

Digital & Technology Strategist
Mark Corcoran (he/him/his) develops online strategy and online community and grassroots outreach efforts.

Digital & Data Strategist
Erica Faulkenberry (she/her/hers) develops online strategy and online community and grassroots outreach efforts.

Outreach

Texas Rising Field Director
Rae Martinez (they/them/theirs) trains the next generation of progressive leaders through the Texas Rising leadership program for activists under thirty years old.

Political & Civic Engagement Coordinator
Julia Mandel (she/her/hers) coordinates strategic research and programmatic support for Texas Rising and the policy advocacy work of the organization.

Outreach & Faith Director
Sonja Miller (she/her/hers) coordinates TFN’s work with clergy and faith communities, with a special focus on reproductive rights/justice and LGBTQ equality.

Outreach & Advocacy Manager
Zoraima Pelaez (she/her/hers) manages TFN’s community advocacy efforts at the Texas Legislature, State Board of Education, and coordinates the Texas Rising Alumni Program.

Outreach & Faith Fellow
Angela Williams (she/her/hers) coordinates TFN’s work with clergy and faith communities, with a special focus on reproductive rights/justice and LGBTQ equality.

Outreach & Faith Coordinator
Rev. Erika Wilson (she/her/hers) coordinates TFN’s work with clergy and faith communities, with a special focus on reproductive rights/justice and LGBTQ equality.

Field

Regional Field Coordinator — Rio Grande Valley
Ofelia Alonso (she/her/hers) expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the Rio Grande Valley.

Regional Field Coordinator — San Antonio/San Marcos
Lexy Garcia (she/her/hers) expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the the areas of San Antonio and San Marcos.

Regional Field Coordinator — Dallas
PJ Martinez  expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the Dallas area.

Regional Field Coordinator — Houston
Lucius Miles (he/him/his) expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the Houston area.

Regional Field Coordinator — Austin
Osmara Santana (she/her/hers) expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the Austin area.

Policy

Political Director
Carisa Lopez (she/her/hers) coordinates local, legislative and executive policy advocacy to advance the mission of the organization.

Administration

Office Manager
Palmer McLean (she/her/hers) manages TFN and TFN Education Fund financials, office operations, oversees vendor services and provides support for all programs.

Executive Assistant
Brittani Cunningham (she/her/hers) provides support for the Executive Director, the Outreach/Field Director, as well as the development and outreach/field teams.