About Us
Friends of the Katy Trail is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates and maintains the Katy Trail for the benefit of Dallas citizens and visitors.
Friends of the Katy Trail
In 1997, a group of visionary community leaders gathered around a kitchen table to discuss the idea of turning an abandoned railroad line into a greenbelt park. The group formed the nonprofit Friends of the Katy Trail and partnered with the landowner, the City of Dallas. Today we all benefit greatly from their vision and this public-private partnership. The Katy Trail has become one of the greatest assets of Dallas and is a beloved destination for exercise, recreation, community connection, and alternative transportation. In 2024, there were 4 million visits to the Katy Trail.
The Katy Trail is community-funded by individual and corporate donations. Friends of the Katy Trail raises the money needed to maintain and enhance the landscaping and provide lighting, water for people, pets and plants, security patrols, signage, and more.
In addition to caring for the Katy Trail, Friends of the Katy Trail nurtures the Trail community. FKT holds member parties, Trail activations, and special events, including the beloved annual Katy 5K for 5,000 participants.
Please join Friends of the Katy Trail in our mission to keep the Trail clean, safe, and beautiful. There are so many ways to support the Katy Trail you use and love.
Annual Report
Learn more about Friends of the Katy Trail and see how we put your dollars to work. View our 2023 Annual Report.
There are currently no job openings at Friends of the Katy Trail.
Board Of Directors
BOARD PRESIDENT
Brian Callahan | President & CEO, ISN
PAST PRESIDENT
Blake Shipp | Co-Founder & Managing Principal, Capitol Ventures
VICE PRESIDENT
Baxter Underwood | CEO, Safe Harbor Marinas
TREASURER & AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Dan Chesnut | Retired Partner & Advisory COO, KPMG
SECRETARY
Peggy Zilbermann | Retired Educator & Philanthropist
SAFETY COMMITTEE CHAIR
Eric Bing | Professor of Global Health, Southern Methodist University
MAJOR GIFTS AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
Sarah Dodd | President, Dodd Communications
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Cricket Griffin | Former CEO & CFO, public REIT
CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR
Ben Ralston | General Partner, Ralston Outdoor Advertising
SPECIAL APPOINTEE
William James | CFA, Sagefield Capital
BOARD MEMBERS
Kellie Adkins | Managing Director, Armanino
Pat Baudendistel | Retired Educator & Philanthropist
Bela Cooley | Former CPA & Community Volunteer
Lara Francis | Former Vice President, MUFG Union Bank - Oil and Gas
Faisal Halum | Broker Associate, Compass Real Estate
Paul Howell | President, Method Bank
Crystal Jareske | Partner, Crowe LLP
Wade Johns | COO, Alamo Manhattan
Adam Mengacci | Managing Director, Institutional Property Advisors
Jeff Netzer | Strategic Advisor, Allyn Media
Ruthie Pack | Philanthropist
Preston Paine | President, Allen Exploration
Alden Pinnell | Founder, The Power Station
Jill Rareshide | Retired Real Estate Broker, Transwestern Property Company
Gaby Rawlings | Associate National Counsel, D.R. Horton
David Rea | Investor & Retired C-Level Executive
Gayatri Satpathy | Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Larry Shosid | Partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP
Newt Walker | Owner & President, Newt Walker Co. and JNW Holdings
Ray Washburne | Chairman & CEO, Charter Holdings