The announcement of the SPCA of Texas‘ new president/CEO was to be made at a press conference this afternoon. But the “cat got out of the bag” with media outlets breaking the news this morning.
So, who is the new top dog at the SPCA? Former, three-term Dallas City Councilman Chris Luna.
Prior to assuming his new role today, Chris was previously with T-Mobile for 18 years where he held “several roles, including Vice President, Legal Affairs and Chief Counsel, Sales and Distribution.”
Currently on the boards of The Dallas Foundation and the Dallas Theater Center, his past involvement in the North Texas non-profit world has included Parkland Health and Hospital System and Dallas Zoo board memberships, chairing the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and the Shared Housing Center and serving as president of Garland Housing Finance Corporation, the Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation and The Dallas Assembly.
According to SPCA of Texas Board Chair Hiren Patel, “Chris is an inspiring and innovative leader with deep experience and a proven track record in expanding organizational reach and impact leading to increased operational excellence. The Board search committee worked diligently for the last nine months to find the right candidate and we are confident that Chris will guide the SPCA of Texas into a bright future.”
As part of his responsibilities heading up the SPCA, he will oversee 153 employees and 992 volunteers to carry on the organization’s mission to “provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.”
In taking on this new chapter in his career, Chris said, “Leading the SPCA of Texas into its next chapter of serving the animals and people of North Texas is an honor and a privilege. I am beyond thrilled to work together with this exceptional organization of dedicated staff and volunteers as well as community partners to drive meaningful programmatic impact.”
Chris succeeds Karen Froehlich, who resigned this past February 22. Since Karen’s departure, SPCA Board Member Don Lindsley has served as interim president/CEO.