DALLAS (July 8, 2025) – Southwestern Medical Foundation is pleased to announce its 11 new Board of Trustees members for 2025 – 2026, confirmed at the organization’s recent annual meeting on May 15. Jere Thompson, Jr. will continue in his role as Chair of the Board. New Trustees Kasim Alfalahi, Joe O’Brien, Jim Burke, Mona Carlton, Amanda George, Michelle Lobel, R. Kent McGaughy Jr., Adriana Perales, Karen Pollock, John Poston, and Nicole Sheridan will bring their unique experiences and leadership expertise to support the Foundation, its mission, and future endeavors.
Southwestern Medical Foundation is a public health care charitable corporation that for the past 86 years has been advancing progress in medicine, primarily at UT Southwestern Medical Center and its related institutions, by connecting donors with innovative programs, managing philanthropic funds, and building broad engagement on the need for quality medical education, research, and clinical care.
“We are proud to welcome 11 new Trustees who will help guide the Foundation’s course in the years ahead,” said Michael McMahan, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation. “As innovation continues to thrive in North Texas, their vision and shared sense of purpose will enhance our efforts to support progress that benefits our region and sets new standards in medicine. We are also grateful to Catherine Rose, Chair of the Nominating Committee, for her thoughtful leadership throughout this process.”
New Board of Trustees – 2025 Members
Kasim Alfalahi
Kasim Alfalahi is a proven pioneer in the sharing of technology, spending 20+ years at Ericsson. Creating and leading the company’s IP business to become a fundamental part of Ericsson’s success, where it generated impressive revenue numbers under Kasim’s leadership. After his years at Ericsson, Kasim founded Avanci, the independent, one-stop licensing marketplace for the most important innovations, with licensing programs for IoT and connected vehicles, next-generation broadcast TV, and video streaming. As CEO, Kasim leads the mission to simplify and create solutions that make technology more widely available while ensuring recognition and fair compensation for inventors. Today, Avanci works with more than 200 companies, including many of the world’s technology leaders in the automotive, electronics, and telecommunications industries. A true global citizen, Kasim has lived in six countries and speaks Arabic, English, Spanish, and Swedish. An engineer by trade, he is driven by the philosophy that great solutions happen when all parties contribute to the technology ecosystem. He received his Master of Science degree in Engineering and Management from Linköping Institute of Technology in Sweden.
Joe O’Brien
Joseph D. (Joe) O’Brien III serves as the Chairman and CEO of SGF Capital, a Dallas-based single-family office serving the descendants of Autry C. Stephens. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Stephens Greth Foundation. Previously, Joe was the President and CEO of A.G. Hill Partners, a Dallas-based single-family office with interests in real estate, energy, private equity, and public securities. Prior to A.G. Hill Partners, Joe was a Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Highside Capital, a multi-billion-dollar equity hedge fund in Dallas. He was also a partner and portfolio manager at Petra Capital Partners, a private equity fund, and he was a vice president at Goldman Sachs in the private wealth management and prime brokerage divisions. Joe has extensive experience in board leadership and strategic oversight of both corporate and non-profit boards. Prior board affiliations include a diverse range of privately held companies, private equity firms, and private trust companies. He also served as past co-chairman and board member of Capital for Kids, which has granted over $21 million to serve the most vulnerable children in North Texas. Joe graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce in 1986 and earned his Master of Business Administration from Harvard in 1992.
Jim Burke
Jim Burke serves as the president, chief executive officer, and is a member of the board of directors of Vistra Corporation, a Fortune 500 integrated power generation and retail electricity company. Jim has been with Vistra and its predecessor companies since 2004, serving in various leadership positions, including chief financial officer, chief operating officer, and as chairman and CEO of TXU Energy, the company’s retail subsidiary and leading competitive retailer in Texas. With over 25 years of experience in the retail electric market, Jim held senior leadership positions at Gexa Energy and Reliant Energy prior to his time at TXU Energy. Jim’s community involvement includes serving as a board member of the Nuclear Energy Institute, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, the United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas, and the Ursuline Academy of Dallas. Additionally, he is an energy advisory council member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and an advisory board member for the Tulane University Energy Institute, giving back to his alma mater. Jim graduated from Tulane with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in business administration in finance and general management.
Mona Carlton
Mona Carlton is the senior managing director of JLL Capital Markets, Americas. Before joining JLL as part of the HFF acquisition, Mona was a founding partner of HFF LP, joining its predecessor firm at its inception in 1984. During her career, Mona successfully completed over $35 billion in commercial real estate transactions and has represented JLL/HFF in leadership positions on multiple industry boards, including serving as an Executive Board Member of the National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC) and the Bronze Multi-Housing Council for the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Mona previously served as Chair of the Freddie Mac Advisory Council, Chair of the NMHC Finance Committee, and sat on various Life Insurance Company Advisory Councils. Additionally, Mona was the past president of the North Texas Chapter of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and its National Board of Representatives. She was a recipient of the LLS Heart of Gold Award, the JLL Champion of Excellence Award, and the Connect CRE Women in Real Estate Award. Mona served as Honorary Chair of the Annual LLS Luncheon & Style Show and has been named Top 10 Multi-Family Originator for FNMA, as well as a Freddie Mac Production Champion. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and is married to Grey Stogner. They have four children and five grandchildren.
Amanda George
With a strong background in business operations and customer service, Amanda George spent over a decade working in her family’s successful automotive enterprise, John Eagle Dealerships. During her tenure, she played an integral role in nearly every department—from frontline operations to executive strategy—gaining the experience that ultimately led to her appointment as executive vice president, a role she held for over three years. Today, Amanda is the owner and CEO of Unwind Massage Lounge, a modern, touchless massage spa located in University Park. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Amanda is deeply committed to civic engagement and philanthropy. She was a founding member of The Cary Council, a group of emerging leaders dedicated to advancing the mission of UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she continues to be a long-time supporter. Her work in the community reflects a strong belief in giving back and creating meaningful impact through service and leadership. Amanda graduated from Rollins College with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2007.
Michelle Lobel
Michelle Lobel is the co-founder of Bryn Pharma LLC, a medical device start-up dedicated to developing the first patient-friendly Nasal Epinephrine Spray as an alternative to the EpiPen. Raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Michelle later moved to New York, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics at New York University. Michelle and her husband Josh lived in Los Angeles for 13 years before relocating to Dallas with their five children. Michelle is involved in all aspects of Bryn Pharma, with a focus on patient needs, user experience, advocacy, and marketing. Michelle is a proven business leader dedicated to improving the lives of those who rely on emergency epinephrine, driven by her and her children’s experiences with severe food allergies. Prior to Bryna Pharma, Michelle was a vice president at IDEAL Fastener Corporation, a family-owned zipper manufacturer. Under Michelle’s direct leadership, the firm initiated and grew to three company-owned facilities in China and opened three sales and marketing offices to serve the offshore manufacturer. Michelle is incredibly active in community leadership, serving on the Board of Directors of Food Allergy Fund, the BSW Dallas Foundation Advisory Board, and is a Co-Chair of the St. Mark’s Fund.
R. Kent McGaughy Jr.
R. Kent McGaughy Jr. has 25 years of experience investing in and building companies in both private and public equity markets. He is the founding shareholder of CPMG, Inc., a private investment firm focused on long-term, value-oriented investments. Before joining CPMG’s predecessor, Cardinal Investment Company, Kent worked at Simmons & Company International, where he specialized in energy-focused investment banking. Kent currently serves as a director of Instil Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TIL) and as a board member of several private companies. He previously served as lead director of Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: RETA) and as a Director of Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (NASDAQ: APEN). Kent earned a bachelor’s degree in the Plan II honors program from The University of Texas at Austin, graduating summa cum laude, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Adriana Perales
Adriana Perales is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the wireless industry. As the founder and CEO of GP Mobile, she has built a diverse team, leading the company’s rapid growth. Starting in 2009 with a single T-Mobile location aimed
at serving the Hispanic community, Adriana expanded GP Mobile to over 350 locations in 25 states, employing more than 2,800 people, making it the second-largest T-Mobile partner in the nation. Their mission is to provide exceptional customer service, support their employees, and positively impact the communities they serve. In addition to her professional work, Adriana is involved with several non-profit boards, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Southwestern Medical Foundation, Nasher Sculpture Center Advisory Council, and Dallas Theater Center. She is passionate about empowering women and promoting diversity in leadership roles. Originally from Mexico and holding a degree in Industrial Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Adriana overcame many hurdles to become a successful leader at work and in her community.
Karen Pollock
Karen Pollock brings over a decade of experience, primarily in marketing and advertising. She spent 10 years in a range of roles at Frito-Lay, including brand marketing, sales, and promotions across Dallas, Atlanta, and Raleigh. She also served as a consultant for Grocery Works, helping the founders develop a marketing and advertising strategy. More recently, Karen has been involved as a community volunteer passionate about education in both DISD and private schools in Dallas. She is currently on the board for the Visiting Nurse Association, on the Executive Committee of the Teach for America Advisory Board, the Scottish Rite Tartan Board, United to Learn Board and a Lamplighter Life Trustee. Previously, Karen has been a Chair for the Celebrity Chef Event held by VNA Board of Trustees, on St. Mark’s Board of Trustees, a Board Chair with Teaching Trust, on the Board of SMU’s Annette Simmons School of Education and the Perot Advisory Board, a 2013 Leadership ISD Fellow, a Board Chair for the Lamplighter Board of Trustees, on the Childcare Group Board and Dallas Women’s Foundation Board and on the Hockaday Board of Trustees, among other service roles. Karen graduated from Emory University with her bachelor’s degree and the University of Texas with her Executive MBA. She is married to Richard and has two children, Katherine and Matthew.
John Poston
John Poston is a senior vice president within Lincoln Property Company’s Tenant Advisory Group, specializing in representing clients nationwide in their search for office and industrial properties. With 30+ years of real estate experience, John is responsible for executing corporate and institutional office and industrial real estate transaction services in the Southwest United States. The early years of his career were marked by leasing Thanksgiving Tower, Renaissance Tower, Harwood Center, and Two Turtle Creek Village. In 1995, John moved to representing tenants exclusively. John is the co-founder of The Rise School of Dallas, The Rise School of Houston, The Touchdown Club of Dallas, and The Stallings Award. Additionally, he is an active member of The Salesmanship Club of Dallas and serves on the board of SWMF Properties, Inc. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his master’s degree from the Acton School of Business.
Nichole Sheridan
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in Wyoming, Nicole Sheridan grew up modeling around the world, appearing in several fashion and women’s magazines, including Vogue and Marie Claire. Her work in the industry took her across Europe, where she built a successful career and spent a significant period living in Milan, Italy, immersing herself in one of the world’s leading fashion capitals. In her 20s, Nicole moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, leading to roles in How I Met Your Mother and Dark Blue. Alongside her husband, Taylor Sheridan —acclaimed director and writer of Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, Landman, Hell or High Water, Sicario, etc.— and her 14-year-old son, she made Texas her home six years ago. The family now owns the historic 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. Beyond Nicole’s active leadership role at the ranch, she consistently remains engaged in philanthropy and community service. She is the VP of The Run For A Million and serves on the boards of Saving Hope, the National Cowgirl Museum, and the Cowboy Artists of America. Additionally, Nicole volunteers regularly at an assisted living home, offering time, care, and connection to its residents.
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ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL FOUNDATION
Southwestern Medical Foundation is a public charity and a registered 501(c)(3) with a prestigious 85-year history that all started with a question: “Why not a great medical center in the Southwestern United States?” The Foundation was created to rally citizens in support of the highest quality health care possible in the Southwestern US. Out of that community vision, UT Southwestern Medical Center emerged. Today it remains the Foundation’s partner and most significant beneficiary. Southwestern Medical Foundation is guided by four core principles: Service to Community, Vision of Excellence, Mindful Stewardship, and Best Outcomes. Each principle is a promise to donors, beneficiaries, and generations to come that the Foundation is dedicated to bringing the gift of better health to the Southwest and the world beyond. Southwestern Medical Foundation continues to earn a Candid (formerly GuideStar) Platinum Seal and Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating. These organizations rate governance, accountability, and transparency, supported by both qualitative and quantitative measures. Learn more.