Board of Directors

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Tom Harris

Tom Harris is Co-chairman of the Foundation and Jordan's dad. Tom is an executive with the Hillwood Development group at the AllianceTexas project in Ft. Worth, Texas. Tom is a native of Syracuse, New York, graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and has been a part of the Ft. Worth business community for close to twenty five years. He is the founder of the Alliance for Infant Survival, a non-profit organization supporting the SIDS community in North Texas. Tom is also the past board chair of the national SIDS organization, First Candle and past board chair of the Birdville ISD Education Foundation. He is a member of multiple higher education business advisory boards in North Texas and an avid supporter of various regional education ventures. Tom has always believed that we were put on this earth to help other people, particularly those most in need.

Ellen Harris

Ellen Harris is Co-chairman of the Foundation and Jordan's mom. Ellen retired from American Airlines after 25 years as a customer service representative but always believed that her most important job was and is being a parent. She was a past administrator of the Birdville Education Foundation. Ellen was very involved with the Alliance for Infant Survival for over 20 years. Ellen is a member of the choir at her congregation and loves spending time with her new grandson, George.

Candice Ammori

Candice Ammori graduated from University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy in 2012, focusing on sustainable business. She was a Princeton in Asia fellow in Singapore, spent time helping a Cambodian microfinance firm with its business strategy, and will continue to combine numbers and creativity in socially conscious business environments.
Candice and Jordan became fast friends while moving into their freshman year dorms. They were close friends and housemates from then on.

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Lezlie D. Culver, MSW - In Memoriam

Lezlie is a founding member of LOSS (Local Outreach for Suicide Survivors) Team of Tarrant County, Texas and currently serves as a volunteer representative of the Team.  She is a member of National Association of Social Workers, and American Association of Suicidology. Lezlie provides consultations and trainings to new and existing LOSS Teams across the country. Being a survivor herself, Lezlie presents and trains survivors, mental health professionals and communities across the country.  Lezlie received her BA in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and attended Syracuse University of London, England for Special Studies. Lezlie also earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington.

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Mary Margaret Graham

Following 29 + years at CIA, Mary Margaret Graham retired while serving as the first Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Collection.  She earned several prestigious medals for her service among which were the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal in 2008, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service in 2008, the Intelligence Medal of Achievement in 2005 and the Donovan Medal in 2001.  Mary Margaret serves on the Board of Directors for the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation and serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Daniel Morgan University as well as a member of the Mitre Corporations's Intelligence Advisory Board.  She also volunteers as a docent at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts and is on the MFA's Patron Program Committee.  Mary Margaret is the sister of Tom Harris and Jordan's aunt.

Elisha Harris

Elisha Harris graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology & Health and a minor in Psychology. She has spent most of her career in the healthcare industry. She currently works at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago as a Residency Program Coordinator for the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency program. Outside of work and serving on the JEHF Board of Directors, Elisha enjoys traveling, riding her bike, and exploring everything that the great city of Chicago has to offer. Elisha is Jordan’s younger sister. 

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Matthew Harris

Matthew Harris graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014 with a degree in chemical engineering. He is a process engineer at Valerus Field Solutions in Houston, Texas. Matthew was active in Jewish and Greek life at UT, while also volunteering his time for various causes around Austin. Matthew is Jordan's brother.

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Ned Harris

Dr. Ned Harris recently retired from a forty year career in higher education that included positions as Associate Provost for Enrollment and Academic Services at St. Louis University, Director of Admission at Le Moyne College, Associate Director of Financial Aid at the University of Notre Dame, Director of Enrollment Management at Eastern Connecticut State University, as well as executive enrollment positions in other institutions of higher learning.  His career long focus on service continues in this Board position and other volunteer roles in which he serves.  Ned is the brother of Tom Harris and Jordan's uncle.

Frasher Pergande

Frasher Hudson Pergande was born and raised in Fort Worth.  She earned a BA in Art History from Hollins College in Roanoke Virginia.  She studied in Paris her sophomore year.  After graduation she began her Master’s Degree of Art History at Christie’s Fine Arts Course, London, The Art Institute of Chicago, and finished her MFA at SMU.  Her career began in New York City at Acquavella Galleries and Paula Cooper Gallery.  She then was a representative for Sotheby’s in Dallas.   

Frasher and John Pergande have three sons, one daughter-in-law, one grandson, and one future daughter-in-law.  Other than family, Frasher’s passions include taking photographs, snow skiing, yoga, traveling, and attending concerts.  Whether it is The Rolling Stones, Chris Stapleton, or the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, she attends as many live performances as possible.    

Frasher has served on a number boards including FWSO, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Fort Worth Country Day, KERA, and Rise School, TCU.  Frasher participated in the 2022 Light the Trail ride:  she organized all of the meals.  She is QPR trained and believes strongly in speaking about Mental Health issues.  She considers herself a Mental Health Warrior.

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Tom Krampitz

Tom Krampitz is a solo practitioner in Fort Worth specializing in governmental affairs and public policy advocacy.  His practice is focused in representing businesses and individuals in land use, economic development, environmental and transportation matters. Prior to entering private practice Tom served four years as General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs for Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

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Isaac Manning

Isaac Manning is the President of Trinity Works, a real estate development company that focuses on three aspects of the development business:  innovation, investment and implementation.  Mr. Manning has over 25 years experience in real estate development as an architect and developer.  Mr. Manning has experience in both domestic and international markets, and has been focused on public-private partnerships, many of which have become economic development success stories.

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Brad Nowlin

Brad is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Brad began his private practice in 2002 in Kansas City, Missouri and moved to Fort Worth, Texas in 2016.  Brad’s areas of expertise include relationship assessment, education, and counseling for couples, individuals and blended families. He has provided counseling to clients in the areas of end of life/hospice, addiction, sexual abuse, and juvenile justice adolescents. Brad has a deep affinity for the mission of the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, having experienced loss by suicide in his personal and professional life.

Brad has a Master’s degree in Counseling from Mid-America Nazarene University, as well as an MBA from Texas Christian University.  He is married to Grace, who is an artist, and they have four adult children. Brad enjoys raunning, swimming, golf and is a passionate fan of Texas Christian University and the University of Texas football, basketball and baseball teams.

David Harbin

David is the Texas Region President for Drees Homes, the 37th largest builder and the 6th largest private builder in the US.  He received his Bachelor Degree from West Texas State University and has an MBA from the University of Dallas.

 David is married to Libby, and they have two sons (Scott and Brett) and a daughter-in-law (Jordan) living in Austin. His family lost his son Matt to suicide in 2018.

Libby has been heavily involved with The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation since Matt died and has worked as QPR Trainer and Ambassador and worked hard in establishing the HOPE Squad program in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD where their kids attended school.  The family is dedicated to the work of treating depression and eradicating suicide.

David’s hobbies include cooking, cycling, golf and travel.

Bill Greenhill

Bill Greenhill is an attorney in the Fort Worth law office of Haynes and Boone, LLP. Before practicing law, Bill earned a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin graduating with high honors. He received his J.D. in 1972 from the University of Texas School of Law graduating with honors. He is a member of The Order of the Coif, an honorary legal fraternity, as well as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. 

Besides his work with The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, Bill is also actively involved in civic activities in Fort Worth having recently served on the Boards of Directors of the Community Healthcare of Texas and The Presbyterian Night Shelter. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tarrant County College District and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees. 

Bill and his wife, Ann, have three sons: Duke, Frank, and Joe. In his free time, he enjoys reading thriller novels, gardening, and playing with his twin six-year-old grandsons, James and Joe. 

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Melody Johnson, Ph.D.

Melody Johnson joins the JEHF Board with over four decades of experience in public education. Most of her tenure has involved work in our nation’s urban school systems facing the most challenging of educational issues.  She was the first and only female to serve as superintendent of the 87,000-student Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) in its 130-year history.  

Upon retiring from K-12 public education in 2012, Dr. Johnson served as the Scholar-in-Residence at Texas Christian University College of Education in Fort Worth.  

Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma; a Master’s degree in Supervision and Education of the Gifted Child from Texas Women’s University in Denton; and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas in Austin.

Dr. Johnson remains active in the Fort Worth community and Tarrant County through volunteer service on numerous boards such as United Way and the Goff Foundation.  She views this as her, “giving back” time of life.

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Andy Deufel

Andy Deufel is the owner and sole proprietor of Aspire Coaching.  As a coach, Andy supports individuals and businesses in various stages of transition.  He specializes in leadership development and employment transition.

Andy has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Texas Christian University.  He and his wife Melissa live in Fort Worth.  They have two daughters, both married and living in Fort Worth, and a son living in Arlington, VA. They also have six grandchildren. Andy enjoys cycling, travel, bird watching, reading, and is an avid college sports fan.

Barry King

Barry King

Someone once called Barry King a modern-day Renaissance man. This may be true as he has been everything from a child artist to a fine artist as well as a graphic designer, an advertising creative director, a writer, TV commercial director, a movie actor, screenwriter, BBQ afficionado, gourmet sauce company co-owner, and a “one time only” boxing sparring partner against “The Greatest”, Ali.

Barry is married to Leah who is President and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. They have a son, Ian, a daughter-in-love, Eronia, and a wonderful two year old grandson, Ari.

Barry has served on the Metropolitan Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Police Officers Award Foundation, Arts Council of Fort Worth, Circle Theater, ACH Child and Family Services, and Texas Center for Arts + Academics.

His own experience with depression and a suicide attempt has brought Barry to JEHF. He survived that most difficult episode of his life and has dedicated the rest of his life to helping remove the stigma of mental health issues.

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Tracey Brooks Neilson

Tracey Brooks Neilson graduated from Baylor University with a BBA in Accounting. She worked for Ernst & Young after graduation and is a CPA currently working for her small family office. 

Along with her husband, Hugh, Tracey lives in Fort Worth where she grew up. She is a BSF Small Group Leader and is active in Christ Chapel Bible Church, her community, and her neighborhood. She has a 22-year-old daughter, Ali, and a bonus son and daughter, Griffin and Maci, 22 and 19. In her free time she enjoys the gym, cooking, bible study, and entertaining friends and family. 

Her experience with a loved one’s struggle with depression and suicidal ideation motives her to establish the perception of depression as a mainstream, treatable condition through education and conversation.  

Chris Culver

Chris Culver is originally from Denver, went to University of Oklahoma and has lived in Fort Worth for 28 years.  Chris has 25 years of healthcare sales and ran his own business, Culver Metal Supply, for 10 years.  Chris has been active in LOSS (Local Outreach for Suicide Survivors) Team of Tarrant County, MHMR of Tarrant County, McBride Foundation and The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation where he first met Ellen and Tom. Chris lost his wife of 34 years, Lezlie Culver, to suicide in July 2021.  Lezlie and Chris have a wonderful, gorgeous daughter, Madalene Culver.  Madalene lives in Dallas and graduated with a Masters in Accounting from Tulane.

Susan Miller Gruppi

Susan Miller Gruppi is the founder and co-president of M2G Ventures, a commercial real estate private equity and advisory development company based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Susan is responsible for finance, strategy, and value creation at M2G Ventures.  Prior to starting M2G Ventures, Susan was with Trademark Property Company for seven years. Susan previously served many roles at Trademark including Analyst, Manager, Director of Finance and Vice President.

Susan serves on the Director’s Loan Committee for Fort Worth First Financial Bank as well as a board member for the Cultural District Alliance. She serves on the Board of Advisors for Trademark, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce board, The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation board, and the TCU Center for Real Estate Advisory board. She received her BBA in Finance with a Real Estate Concentration and a Minor in Spanish from Texas Christian University. Susan and her partner, Jessica, were both named Top 40 under 40 in 2017, Top 100 for several years, as well as received the Strong Partner Award from Girls Inc. of Tarrant County.

She has a grand passion for large-scale intentional public art that desires to inspire the community in which she lives, as well as M2G’s capstone initiative, M2G Ventures in Mental Health. She has a servant’s heart when it comes to supporting people in pursuing their dreams.

 

Katie Johnson

Catherine “Katie” Johnson is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), trained in EMDR and CISM. She received her bachelor's degree in Strategic Communication in 2015, before moving onto receive a master’s degree in Professional Counseling in 2018, both from Texas Christian University. With experience working in environments such as in-patient, non-profit, and private practice, she recently opened her own practice called Catherine Johnson Counseling, PLLC. As a trauma focused therapist, with an integral and holistic approach, her hope is to help clients gain a sense of stability in day-to-day life, targeting both the past, present and future. She is passionate about looking through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology and polyvagal theory, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion, the mind-body connection, and safe connection with self and others. Her hope is to provide a safe space where clients can share their stores, struggles, and hopes for the future as they engage the brain and body in a way that allows for healing to begin and relief to be found to take steps toward a brighter future.

 

Winjie Tang Miao

Winjie Tang Miao serves as senior executive vice president and chief operating officer. In her role, Miao is charged with evolving Texas Health’s core services and developing an integrated, high-performance delivery network that is consumer-focused. She oversees Texas Health’s Hospital Channel, physicians group, ambulatory and virtual care services, along with clinical excellence and network navigation functions.

A biomedical engineering graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Miao also earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration, with a concentration in financial management and quality management, from the University of North Carolina.



 

Founders’ Advisory Council

 

Dr. John Fatti

Stephanie Garbarino

Adam Grossman

Christopher Grover

John Harris

E. James Kearney

Debbie Krasnow

Becky Renfro Borbolla

Kate Warren

Kyle Whitaker