NTX Regional Leadership Awards
Each year, the North Texas Commission recognizes leaders and organizations making a positive impact on North Texas. From now until July 26, we invite you to nominate an organization or individual for the NTX 2024 Regional Leadership Awards. Nominations can be made in the eight categories below. The recipients of each award will be recognized at the Commission’s Annual Members’ Luncheon on September 19, 2024.
2023 Award Recipients
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Dan Petty Regional Visionary Award
Hon. Kenneth Barr
Mayor Barr continues to exemplify outstanding leadership and statesmanship throughout North Texas. As a former chair of the NTC, Mayor Barr is by far one of the best regional advocates and ambassadors of the Commission and the importance of regionalism. As a former Mayor of Fort Worth (1996-2003) and former chairman of the NTTA Board, he understands the power of working across jurisdictional lines for the good of the entire region. He currently is Vice President of the Tarrant County College Board of Trustees.
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Corporate Leadership Award
Envoy Air, Inc.
Envoy Air has made numerous contributions to the North Texas region, particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion. It has a robust workforce comprising members from diverse backgrounds, with more than 60% of Envoy's workforce identifying as belonging to one or more minority groups. It has launched the Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (CDIAC) and the Women of Envoy (WE) program, initiatives that have significantly contributed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. As one of DFW’s largest employers, its diversity gives rise to a wide range of viewpoints and new ways of thinking that have not only benefited the organization but the entire North Texas region as well.
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Civic Leadership Award
Kenneth Hutchenrider, Methodist Richardson Medical Center
As a healthcare leader for over 30 years, Mr. Hutchenrider has overseen multiple hospitals, often institutions at the center of the community. As Methodist Richardson enters its 60th year, Ken, as President, has led it to continuously reinvent itself to evolve with changing needs and demands. In addition to his dedicated leadership to the hospital, Ken was elected to the Richardson City Council in 2019.
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Diversity Leadership Award
Dylan Rafaty, North Texas Disability Chamber
Dylan Rafaty serves as a passionate advocate for persons living with disabilities in North Texas. His creation of the North Texas Disability Chamber is just the latest in his advocacy and educational efforts. Dylan founded the North Texas Disability Chamber (NTXDC) to promote a more cohesive, transparent, informed, regional, member-based, cross-disability community via events and education hosted at accessible locations across North Texas. The organization's guiding pillars are threefold: Community Building, Community Education, and Interactive Engagement between People with Disabilities (PWDs) and People without Disabilities (PWOD).
Education Leadership Award
Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Arlington ISD
As the former Superintendent of Arlington ISD and with 33 years in public education, Dr. Cavazos has been a transformational leader and a tireless advocate for students, staff, and the community. He has improved test scores and implements innovative programs known nationwide.
Elected Official Leadership Award
Mayor Rick Stopfer, City of Irving
With over a 30-year career in public service, all in Irving, Mayor Stopfer has served the City and the wider North Texas community with dedication, integrity and a focus on practical solutions that unite people. He has served in various public service positions, with a particular passion for infrastructure development to support growth for Irving and the region. Today, Irving is widely recognized as the "Headquarters of Headquarters" in Texas, with more Fortune 500 companies per capita, eight, than any other city in the state. It is a thriving community that exceeds the needs of its residents, companies and workers with a central location, business-friendly environment, excellent education opportunities and exceptional lifestyle offerings, leading the City to serve as one of the most significant economic contributors to the North Texas economy. Mayor Stopfer Co-Chairs the Mayors Economic Council NTX.
Social Impact Award
The Real Estate Council, Dallas
TREC Community Investors (TREC CI) is the philanthropic arm of The Real Estate Council (TREC), the largest and most influential professional organization of its kind in Texas, representing over 2,000 members and 625 companies in the North Texas commercial real estate industry. TREC CI leverages the incredible industry expertise of its members, forms meaningful community partnerships, and works with neighborhood residents to revitalize our region’s most underserved communities and create equitable development in ways no other organization can. TREC CI views community revitalization as a collaborative effort, not specifying how communities will evolve but partnering with established, respected neighborhood organizations and community residents to realize their vision, energize their economies and honor their rich histories and cultures.
Rising Star Award
Carey Neal, City of Lancaster
Carey's passion for his work extends far beyond his duties as Lancaster's Deputy Manager. He continually demonstrates his commitment to the development of his community by actively participating in various local organizations. As a board member of numerous organizations, including the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power and the Inland Port Transportation Association, Carey works tirelessly to ensure that his constituents enjoy the highest possible quality of life. His leadership roles in these organizations reflect his dedication to the larger community and his unfaltering commitment to public service. The depth of his commitment to the community is also reflected in his personal endeavors. As a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, he invests his time and energy into fostering the growth of our future leaders.