Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and the Future: A Memorable Tocqueville Luncheon
On April 8 we were thrilled to fill the Dallas Petroleum Club for a special Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society luncheon. The event celebrated our shared impact, highlighted gratitude for our dedicated Tocqueville supporters and welcomed community leaders, philanthropists and partners.
The luncheon also built on the incredible momentum that our entire Live United movement has had as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas launches into our second century of impact.
During the event, we proudly announced a $5 million gift from Vistra to start the Pledge to Pathways initiative and Fifth Third Bank committed a $1 million investment to Pledge to Pathways to support this effort. In addition, we’re also grateful for a $1 million gift from the Dr. Bob and Jean Smith Foundation to support our community impact partners, Data Capacity Building Initiative and the United Way endowment.
Honoring Transformational Leadership
The luncheon opened with a warm welcome from Antonio Carrillo, president and CEO of Arcosa and chair of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Board of Directors. Carrillo thanked guests for their continued support of our mission and recognized the many Board members in attendance.
As guests connected over lunch, the room reflected the strength of a community united by a shared commitment to impact.
Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, took the stage to share an inspiring update, beginning with appreciation for luncheon sponsor Vistra. A highlight of the afternoon was a heartfelt tribute to two longtime supporters of United Way and the Tocqueville Society, Tocqueville honorary co-chairs Erin Nealy Cox and Trey Cox, whose leadership during our Centennial year helped propel the organization to new heights.
Sampson reflected on early conversation with Erin Nealy Cox that sparked bold ideas—from expanding Tocqueville’s reach to building one of the largest chapters in the nation. Those ideas became reality through the Coxes’ dedication and vision.
Following a celebratory champagne toast, the Coxes were recognized for their lasting impact as they transition into honorary leadership roles—leaving behind a legacy that will influence United Way for years to come.
“For nearly 40 years, the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society has represented the very best of North Texas—leaders who chose not just to give, but to lead,” Sampson said. “Leaders who understood that lasting impact requires more than generosity—it requires vision, commitment and a willingness to invest in something bigger than any one of us. That legacy continues today, and it’s important to recognize the leaders who have helped carry it forward.”
Welcoming the Next Generation of Leaders
The event also marked an exciting transition as new Tocqueville leaders were introduced, including:
Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs
- Jill and Rod Burns
- Laura and Jason Downing
- Mike Hsu and Kaori Mitsuhashi
- Cristy and David McAtee
Women of Tocqueville Co-Chairs
- Katie Rose (2026)
- Dee Brown (2027)
Tocqueville Society Advisors
- Carol and Kevin March
Honorary Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs
- Erin Nealy Cox and Trey Cox
- Regen Horchow and Ken Hersh
The 40th Anniversary Luncheon will be chaired by an extraordinary group of leaders, including members of the Staubach family and their partners—further underscoring the deep legacy of commitment within the Tocqueville community.
40th Anniversary Tocqueville Society Luncheon Chairs
- Jennifer Staubach and John Gates
- Michelle Staubach and John Grimes
- Amy Staubach and Jamie Mentgen
- Stephanie Staubach and Todd Phillips
- Jenny and Jeff Staubach
A Pledge to Create Greater Opportunity in the Workforce
The program continued with a fireside chat between Sampson and special guest Jim Burke, president and CEO of Vistra and United Way’s 2025-2026 Annual Campaign chair, focusing on workforce development in North Texas.
Their discussion highlighted a critical moment for the region—where business needs and community opportunity intersect. Burke spoke about the importance of creating pathways to meaningful employment, emphasizing that “effort and attitude” can unlock opportunity when the right systems and support are in place.
Then Burke and Sampson announced a powerful new opportunity for local employers to connect workers with the skills needed to keep up with our growing economy: Pledge to Pathways. By taking the Pledge to Pathways, employers can commit their organizations to actively consider and hire qualified candidates emerging from our Pathways to Work initiative, which is connecting thousands of North Texans with living-wage careers.
In the past year alone, Pathways to Work has:
- Served over 25,000 individuals
- Achieved nearly 4,800 job placements
- Delivered more than 2,000 industry certifications
This work is central to our community-wide Aspire United 2030 goals, which include increasing the number of local workers earning a living wage by 20% by the year 2030.
“United Way’s Pathways to Work shows what’s possible when we invest in people,” Burke said. “Ensuring North Texans can fully participate in our growing economy is essential to long-term competitiveness. When we build a prepared, dynamic workforce, we’re strengthening the future of our entire community.”
To learn more and take the Pledge to Pathways, visit Pathways – United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. And to continue the conversation, please contact your United Way representative or donorservices@unitedwaydallas.org
Learn more about our partnership with Jim Burke to improve access to good-paying jobs in the Dallas Business Journal: “Vistra CEO wants to help United Way connect more people with high-paying jobs.”
A Bold Vision for the Future
During the event, Sampson reflected on United Way’s Centennial Celebration and the launch of our most ambitious effort yet: Greater Than – The Campaign to Create Extraordinary Impact. This comprehensive campaign aims to surpass $800 million, with every gift—across every channel—contributing to transformative change in North Texas.
Sampson also honored the Tocqueville Society’s legacy, recognizing it as a cornerstone of leadership and philanthropy that continues to shape United Way’s vision and progress.
Greater Than Campaign Chairs
- Alice and Curt Farmer
- Corrine and Tom Grec
- Karen and Tom Falk
- Ashlee and Chris Kleinert
- Mary and Rich Templeton
- Christy and Steven Williams
The afternoon was more than a gathering—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when visionary leaders come together to invest in their community. With bold goals, strong leadership and unwavering support, United Way and the Tocqueville Society are not only honoring our legacy—we are building a future that is truly greater than.
Save the Date!
Celebrate the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society’s 40th Anniversary at a special luncheon on Wednesday, February 3, 2027, at the Fairmont Dallas. Please stay tuned for additional details.
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Learn More About the Tocqueville Society
The Tocqueville Society includes North Texas’ most dedicated change-seekers who come together to drive meaningful change in our community. As we celebrate the 40th year of the Tocqueville Society, now is a powerful time to join this impactful group of civic and business leaders.
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