Staff

Leadership

President and Executive Director
Val Benavidez (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. Val became president in November 2020 and was previously the Texas Freedom Network’s chief program officer.
Click here to see Val’s full bio

Senior Program Director
Marti Bier (they/them/theirs), oversees the creation and implementation of programmatic work for TFN. They are 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 + Digital/Data

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.

Digital Director
Mark Corcoran (he/him/his) leads TFN’s digital team and develops online strategy, online community and grassroots outreach efforts.

Social Media Coordinator and Graphic Designer
Reba Balint (she/her/hers) helps develop the organization’s social media strategy and graphic design.

Digital Strategist
Josh Gonzalez (he/him/his) works with the communications and outreach teams to create original and innovative online content, and build strategic media partnerships to spread the reach of Texas Rising.

Digital Engagement & Design Coordinator
Aria Levanti (they/them/theirs) works with all teams to create cohesive digital and print collateral, social media strategy, and creative direction.

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

Data Coordinator
Reyhan Sinha (he/him/his) manages organizational data and supports planning and execution of digital advocacy campaigns.

 

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.

 

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.

Texas Rising Deputy Director
Osmara Santana (she/her/hers)

Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator
Jules Mandel (she/her/hers) coordinates grassroots engagement opportunities to advance TFN’s policy agenda and issue-advocacy campaigns.

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 and Faith Organizer
Angela Williams (she/her/hers) organizes TFN’s work with clergy and faith communities, with a special focus on reproductive rights/justice and LGBTQ equality, and she expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the areas of Central Texas and Rio Grande Valley.

Outreach & Faith Coordinator
Rev. Erika Forbes (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 areas of San Antonio and San Marcos.

Regional Field Coordinator — DFW
Dionna La’Fay (she/her/hers) expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the DFW area.

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

Regional Field Coordinator — Houston
Corisha Rogers (she/her/hers) expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the Houston area.

Regional Field Coordinator — Houston
Lisa Sargent (she/her/hers) expands the overall outreach efforts of the organization with an emphasis in the Houston area.

 

Policy

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

Political Coordinator
Rocio Fierro-Perez (she/her/hers) assists in developing and implementing TFN’s electoral and policy strategy both on a statewide and local level.

 

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.

Administrative Assistant
Kelly O’Halloran (she/her/hers) provides administrative, logistical and bookkeeping support for the organization and all programs.