Advancing Equality Through Philanthropy
Board of Directors
Chris-James Cognetta, President
Hailing from New York City— Chris made his home in Texas in 1989. Currently he is a resident of Dallas, and active in the community in and the world of nonprofit organizations helping people and their causes move forward.
He is retired from the World Comedy League and mostly from acting and comedy. These days he can be found either as a corporate educator or as a psychotherapist at his private practice, A Mind at Ease.
Previously, he has been the chair of the board for Youth First Texas, Development Chair for the Turtle Creek Chorale, Fundraising Chair for Uptown Players and a curriculum developer for the Ford Foundation. Chris’ focus for the last 3 decades has been focused on helping forward the LGBTQ community and allies through volunteerism and education.
Holly Hoffer, Vice-President
Holly Hoffer is a New Orleans native who attended Louisiana State University. Having relocated to Dallas in ‘86, she has enjoyed being a longtime resident of Oak Cliff and has served on her neighborhood board as Board Member as well as the position of President. In addition, Holly has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity in a long term capacity, and as an acting Volunteer Coordinator near her hometown in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
For 30 years, Holly has worked as a hairstylist who enjoys giving individual attention to detail to her clients, currently serving the Oak Lawn/Park Cities area. And further, animal-lover Holly works as a dog sitter and enjoys many four legged Dallas clients.
Holly is a self-proclaimed southern foodie, wine lover and a newly intrigued traveler.
Michael Kurr, Treasurer
Michael is a Utah native who relocated to Houston, Texas in 2009. After spending seven years in Houston as a Salon Manager, he was given the opportunity to move to Dallas in 2016. He recently decided to make a career change from the salon industry to commercial real estate. Michael has discovered his passion and ability to connect with people and has decided to join the GLFD Board of Directors in hopes to give back to his community in as many ways as possible.
Sondra Lynn Padlo, Events
Sondra is an Alaska native who has lived in Dallas for ten years. A lover of animals, the arts, and the environment, she earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. For the past 17+ years, she has served C-Levels and clients across a myriad of industries, fulfilling her passion for great customer service and helping those around her to do and be better.
Sondra feels strongly about people, processes, and living your best life in a world of equality and harmony. She enjoys all that the amazing city of Dallas has to offer and has served on charity boards for the past 5+ years. She and her boyfriend can be found on the lake or camping when not in Dallas - or hanging with their two elderly puggles - occasionally on the back of a beach cruiser.
Nick Egan-Lovitt, Member Engagement & Events
Nick is a licensed real estate agent handling KM Realty's day-to-day marketing activities and commerical real estate in the Dallas area. Nick comes to KM Realty from a background of public relations and international business development. He previously worked for two years at On the Mark Communications and Public Content as a Senior Account Director for some of Houston's premier commercial real estate, restaurant, and hospitality clients. His media connections allow for continuous press outreach on behalf of KM Realty. Before KM, Nick worked for men's grooming brand Jack Black in Dallas for four years as an Assistant Manager of International Business Development.
Nick is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors of Arts in Plan II Honors and Government, and a minor in Spanish. Nick is married to his partner, Donald, and they have a lovely and outgoing furry feline named Nutella.
Scott “Mac” MacPherson
Mac is an attorney with over a decade of experience in real estate, business, and nonprofit law. He relocated to Dallas from New York City in late 2021, and joined a local law firm soon after. Prior to entering private practice, Mac worked at a nonprofit providing access to the courts and legal help for residents of limited means, his program was later emulated by the New York City court system. In addition to his nonprofit work, Mac has volunteered with various organizations benefiting his community. Since arriving in Dallas, Mac takes on pro bono cases assisting individuals seeking asylum to escape persecution based on their sexual and/or gender identity, as well as mentoring recent law graduates and serving on the Dallas Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee. As a GLFD Board Member, Mac leverages his nonprofit and volunteer experience along with his passion for helping others to benefit the GLFD Board and the Dallas community.
Dan Thompson
Dan is a Broker Relationship Manager for Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, DFW/Houston Division. His role is recruiting and developing agents primarily to serve retirees with life and health benefits. He is a member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP).
Originally from the Houston area, Dan has resided in Dallas since 2012. He has extensive management experience and several years of volunteer and professional non-profit development and fundraising leadership for various worthy causes, serving children, families and adults of all ages.
Dan and his husband, Jay, live in Old East Dallas and love to travel when schedules allow. They are both degreed musicians in vocal/choral/instrumental music. They have enjoyed singing together in the Dallas Symphony Chorus for almost 10 years. Dan is currently serving as a volunteer member of DS Pride Community Group (ERG) with the DSO organization.
Michael Boelter
Bio and Photo coming soon!