WHO WE ARE

 THE VISION 

Using the restoration and expansion of the Forest Theater, Forest Forward works to ignite a just, healthy and thriving South Dallas.

 Our sights are set on the future. 

 The revitalized Forest Theater will focus on respecting, uplifting, and cultivating the Black community through collaboration. South Dallas residents will get to utilize the theater as a multi-purpose destination hub that sits at the heart of South Dallas as a hub for creativity, business, and entertainment. 

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LEADERSHIP

 Our leaders are agents of change that share a commitment to break the cycle of generational poverty and racism rooted in the South Dallas community by providing necessary tools and educational resources to help the community thrive. 

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 Elizabeth Wattley 

President & CEO
Sharon Carson

Sharon Carson

Chief Advancement & Revenue Officer

Dr. Christopher J. Dowdy

V.P. of Strategy

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 Ashley Wilson 

 Director of Strategic Parterships

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LaSheryl Walker

 Director of Community Engagement 

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 Cecilyn Bryan 

 Director of Operations 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Newly formed, Forest Forward has attracted a board comprised of change agents that share a commitment and experiences that will contribute to bringing healthy neighborhood revitalization to the South Dallas community.

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Matrice Ellis-Kirk

Dr. Frowsa Booker-Drew

Gilbert Gerst

Gilbert Gerst

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Jon Halbert

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Linda Halbert

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Diane Ragsdale

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Rev. Matthew Ruffner

Rabbi David Stern

Peter-Brodsky

Peter Brodsky

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Michael Hinojosa

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Terry Loftis

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Celia Walker

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David Huntley

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Larry James

Rick Hightower

Rick Hightower

C Cordell Adams

C. Cordell Adams

Jamila Thomas

Jamila Thomas

Tom Foley

Tom Foley

 Larry James 

Matrice Ellis-Kirk 

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JON HALBERT 

 

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LINDA HALBERT 

 

GILBERT GERST 

 

MATTHEW RUFFNER 

 

FROSWA’ BOOKER-DREW 

 

DIANE RAGSDALE

 

David Stern