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 10, 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 18, 2025.
2024 Award Recipients
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Dan Petty Regional Visionary Award
Hon. Michael Burgess & Hon. Kay Granger
Congressman Michael Bugress and Congresswoman Kay Granger have been two leaders have given years of service, advice, wisdom, and vision to the Metroplex. From serving in CD-26 (Burgess) and CD-32 (Granger), their careers have been ones of sacrifice and dedication marked by landmark wins for the people of North Texas, and as they both well-earned retirements,
Corporate Leadership Award
Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy contributes to the region in the areas of workforce development, inclusion and infrastructure development- all advancing our future growth. Through their contributions to the region, Atmos Energy leadership has grown sustainability efforts, economic contributions, innovation, safety, and leads the way in corporate responsibility. We thank Atmos Energy for their unwavering commitment and partnership through NTC and the region.
Civic Leadership Award
Carter Holston
Mr. Holston has been the director of real estate for NEC Corporation. He was key in NEC moving their HQ to Irving. With over 20 years with NEC, Mr. Holston connected with the community by serving on various boards and committees across the Metroplex and state. Notable organizations, boards and communities Mr. Holston has served in a capacity, Texas Association of Business, Irving Las Colinas Chamber, and Irving ISD Superintendent's Business Advisory Council. Through his career he has cultivated relations with Irma Rangel Young Leadership School, Irving Family Advocacy Center, Dallas Heart Association, Herbert Marcus Elementary, Irving Cares and Habitat for Humanity for NEC. He has made positive contributions to the Metroplex and continues to support the current needs and future growth.
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Diversity Leadership Award
City of Richardson City Council
The City of Richardson City Council created the Community Inclusion and Engagement Commission (CIEC) in effort to provide innovative ideas for those who call Richardson home. In a thriving and diverse community, the city council members saw a need to bridge gaps between the city's diverse stakeholders and engaged Richardson residents. Through this commission, the council is able to create strategic goals for the forward-looking community. We thank the City of Richardson City Council in leading the way in bridging gaps in their local community for elected officials and community members for ideas to have an inclusive environment for all residents of Richardson.
Education Leadership Award
Dr. Elva LaBlanc, Tarrant County College & Dr. Justin Lonon, Dallas College
Dr, LaBlanc and Dr. Lonon leaders of their respective institutions partnered together through an Interlocal Strategic Alliance Agreement to collaborative for North Texas residents to earn credentials for high-demand, well-paying jobs. The Strategic Alliance provides services, programs, and educational opportunities across both institutions to enhance postsecondary career preparation and meet the region’s emerging workforce needs. We thank them for their collaboration and effort to making the Metroplex better through education.
Elected Official Leadership Award
Hon. Oscar Trevino, City of North Richland Hills
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.
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Social Impact Award
David Tesmer
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.
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Rising Star Award
Andrew Fortune
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.