Ron Thompson, Founding Executive Director

Ron leads the Foundation's work developing sustainable infrastructure for Duncanville's arts ecosystem. His role during the organization's founding phase focuses on establishing the governance frameworks, funding architecture, and institutional partnerships that will allow both the Foundation and the arts organizations it supports to grow and endure.

He previously served as founding chair of the Duncanville Arts Commission, where he helped establish local arts policy, the Duncanville Arts Fund grants program, and city recognition of National Arts and Humanities Month and the Armstrong Park Cultural District. His earlier work includes founding Dallas Area Designers for the Arts in 1999, for which he was recognized as 2003 Volunteer of the Year at the Sammons Center for the Arts.

Ron brings experience in portfolio management, philanthropic strategy, and community partnerships to the Foundation's work. He has supported emerging ventures across sectors and helped organizations build institutional relationships that provide long-term stability. In Duncanville, he has also served the community through founding the Duncanville Drawing Club at the public library and serving on the founding board of the Duncanville Nature Conservancy.