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Vickie Allen, President & CEO
Vickie L. Allen joined Educational First Steps in June of 2019 as the Executive Director. In February 2021, she became the organization’s President & CEO.
Previously, Vickie was senior vice president of development at United Way of Tarrant County. She has also worked for WiNGS and consulted in Texas and St. Paul, Minnesota. In St. Paul, she was an assistant professor/co-chair of the business department at St. Catherine University, co-founded Team Pact Consulting Group, which partnered with nonprofits, foundations and businesses; and worked for the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley.
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Vickie received her bachelor’s degree in business and sociology from Ithaca College and a master’s in public administration from Harvard University.
Read full bio.
Gail Stoke, Board Chair
Gail Stoke is known as a passionate and visionary leader, mentor and teacher, an effective motivator and an invaluable collaborator. Her corporate experience exemplifies organizational strategy that unlocks growth potential. Her passion for developing and coaching staff fuels impact and has served her well in both the private and public sectors.
After spending over 40 years in the fashion industry in sales and brand management, Gail has found her new home in the education sector. She has served on the Board of Educational First Steps; the Board of Governors at the University of North Texas; the Advisory Committee for Vickery Meadow Reading Academy. In addition, Gail volunteers as a student literacy tutor and mentor for refugee children at McShan Elementary School.
She has just enthusiastically accepted the role of Board Chair for Educational First Steps for 2021-2023.
Gail is a member and Deacon of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. She and her husband Stan live in the DFW area and love being with their 16 grandchildren, racing their thoroughbred horses, and loving Chloe, their Australian Labradoodle.
EFS Senior Directors
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Development Officer
Contacts for Media Inquiries
Savannah Espiritu, Communications and Events Manager
sespiritu@educationalfirststeps.org
Office: 214-824-7940
David Smith, Chief Development Officer
dsmith@educationalfirststeps.org
Office: 214-824-7940