Dawn Townsend joined the staff of the Conference of Southwest Foundations as Associate Director in 2002. In this role, she assists with development of member programs and services, acts as the communications officer for the organization and coordinates member activities associated with public policy. She is an experienced communications professional and brings to her position a wealth of experience in the nonprofit and higher education sectors. She previously served as the executive director of The Extra Mile, Region VII in Shreveport, Louisiana, and held several positions at Loyola University New Orleans, including Executive Director of the Center for Professional Development, Director of Student Services and Coordinator of the Off-campus Learning Program. She earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in communications from Loyola University New Orleans.

Laura Smith has been with The Dallas Foundation for four years as Director of Community Philanthropy.  She oversees all Foundation grants and scholarships, including the Safety Net Fund for critical needs, the TRIAD Fund for military families, the Pegasus Leadership Initiative, Field of Interest Funds and the Unrestricted Fund. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2007, Laura worked for the Carnegie Corporation of New York, working in the areas of Strengthening U.S. Democracy, Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector and Special Opportunities. Laura is a fourth generation Dallasite and a sixth generation Texan. She is a graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Southern Methodist University, where she received her bachelor of music degree. She also attended the University of Michigan, Brooklyn Conservatory, American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, the International Institute for Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy and the International Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Barbara Walker is Director of External Affairs for Verizon Corporation, responsible for managing communications and relationships with community leaders throughout Texas. She has accountability for strategically investing Verizon Foundation dollars and support in markets throughout Texas, as well as Illinois and Indiana. At Verizon, Barbara has led the company's human resources communications and employee research and policy functions, as well as national roles in shareholder services and mergers, employee and executive communications, media relations and federal regulatory relations. She has received Verizon's Chairman's Award, the company's highest honor. A communications professional for 25 years, Barbara is an Accredited Communications Professional through the International Association of Business Communicators. She is also active in community organizations and is currently serving on the board of directors for Literacy Instruction for Texas, as well as community chamber boards.

Deadline to register online at www.afpdallas.org is Wednesday, March 16th. After that date, make reservations by fax or mail on a space-available basis.