Photo of Lori and Dave Folz for their article on how dave folz estate planning has helped support brain science.
Lori and Dave Folz were raised and influenced by families who valued kindness and charity.

Twenty years ago, Dave Folz joined Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Center’s newly formed Estate Planning Council to help inspire and advance progress in medicine at UT Southwestern. With Dave Folz’s estate planning expertise it was a perfect fit. After attending Council meetings and faculty presentations where he learned about the institution’s exceptional medical care and world-class research, Dave and his wife, Lori, became inspired to do more.

Dave and Lori have embraced the mission of Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern wholeheartedly by joining The Heritage Society, leaving a generous bequest to the Foundation that will be used to further brain science at UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.

“My work on the Estate Planning Council really opened my eyes in terms of how important the work is,” said Mr. Folz, who is a passionate ambassador to the Foundation. “I am excited to see the Foundation’s success in terms of growth over the years because its story is an amazing one. Lori and I chose the Foundation as one of our beneficiaries because it just seemed to make sense. Scientists know a lot about the different organs of the body and probably less about the brain than anything else, so there’s a lot to be discovered.”

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Mrs. Folz agrees, adding, “I’m excited about what scientists know, but more excited about what they don’t know and what they will learn. We want our gift to reach as many people as possible, and with Southwestern Medical Foundation, we are confident that will happen. Education and the use of our minds is at the forefront of everything we do. By unlocking the mysteries of the brain, scientists will help people enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives during every stage of life.”

Dave Folz has been a dedicated member of the Estate Planning Council since its inception and has helped to build important relationships who care about the work we do. We are especially grateful for our longstanding relationship and the Folzes generous bequest.  Friends like Lori and Dave bring hope and inspiration to all who wish to see cures for illnesses and injuries of the brain.

Kathleen M. Gibson, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation

Shared Values 

Dave Folz and his wife, Lori, have embraced the mission of Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern wholeheartedly by joining The Heritage Society, leaving a generous bequest to the Foundation that will be used to further brain science at UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.

The Folzes were raised and influenced by families who valued kindness and charity. Dave grew up in a large family in Cincinnati and worked his way through college and law school. He began his real-world trust training at a large bank in Chicago and came to Dallas in 1980 to work for Interfirst Bank Dallas and later to start a Wealth Management and Trust Group for Texas Capital Bank.

As I grew up, my parents always gave back to the community. It was easy to get started in Dallas because the business environment was very energetic. I met friends quickly, and I just never had any desire to leave. When I was asked to join the Foundation’s Estate Planning Council, it just seemed natural to me that it was something I should do.

David Folz, Heritage Society Member and Member of Southwestern Medical Foundation’s Estate Planning Council

Lori Folz was born at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, where her father served in the U.S. Air Force. After living in various U.S. cities and several foreign countries, her father retired from the military and settled in East Texas with his family. Lori met Dave by pure happenstance. Their romance began following a thrilling day of flying in separate hot-air balloons that landed near one another. That day they shared a glass of champagne and would go on to spend many days in Mr. Folz’s hot-air balloon, enjoying this tranquil and unique perspective of the world. They married in 1997 and made Dallas their home.

“When my family moved around frequently, it gave us the opportunity to meet different people and enjoy the kindness of others to bring us into their communities,” said Mrs. Folz. “I think of Texas as an ‘arms wide open’ welcoming. It is the only home that we have ever known, and it feels good to do things for a community that has really helped us. And we know that financial giving to benefit UT Southwestern is really for the benefit of the entire community.”

Grateful for Life

Mrs. Folz has enjoyed her career as a certified public accountant and consults with privately owned companies on how to improve their businesses. She is an active community volunteer and enjoys sharing her talents with nonprofits. As a professional trust executive and consultant, Mr. Folz advises individuals and families about trust administration in their estate planning and the benefits of charitable giving. He has served on various nonprofit boards and enjoys giving back to the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an opportunity for the couple to explore the great outdoors in Texas, starting in their own backyard where they are avid gardeners. They love to escape to one of their favorite spots, Fredericksburg, where they can enjoy native plants in the beautiful Hill Country setting.