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Trisha Cunningham
President and CEO at North Texas Food Bank; Board director; Former Corporate Technology Executive (CSR, Mktg, Comms)
Professional Background
Trisha Cunningham is a distinguished nonprofit leader and Fortune 500 technology executive, currently serving as the President and CEO of one of the largest food banks in the country, the North Texas Food Bank. With a career that spans multiple leadership roles in some of the most prominent organizations, Trisha has made significant contributions in the areas of corporate social responsibility, public affairs, and strategic marketing. Prior to her impactful role at North Texas Food Bank, Trisha held the position of Chief Citizenship Officer at Texas Instruments (NASDAQ: TXN), where she was instrumental in driving initiatives that aligned the company's business objectives with community engagement and philanthropy.
Her extensive expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including financial acumen, corporate communications, brand management, and community relations. Trisha's strategic mindset has allowed her to navigate complex corporate landscapes and lead significant projects such as CEO transitions, corporate strategy shifts, and mergers/acquisitions. Her ability to manage global teams and develop diversity programs has further solidified her status as a leader dedicated to fostering inclusive environments in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Education and Achievements
Trisha's educational journey reflects her commitment to leadership and nonprofit management. She is a proud alumna of Murray State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems with a business emphasis. Furthering her education, Trisha completed an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management at The University of Texas at Dallas, highlighting her dedication to enhancing her skills in the nonprofit sector.
In 2002, Trisha was selected as a Fellow of the International Women’s Forum, an experience that expanded her network of influential women leaders worldwide. She also participated in prestigious leadership programs including Leadership Dallas in 2009, Leadership Texas in 2010, and Leadership International in 2013. These educational experiences have been pivotal in shaping her leadership style and understanding of the global landscape.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Trisha Cunningham has achieved remarkable milestones that underscore her commitment to nonprofit excellence and corporate social responsibility. At Texas Instruments, she held various roles, including Director of Worldwide Company Communications and Director of Worldwide Market Communications, where she developed integrated marketing strategies that significantly enhanced the company's brand presence. Her leadership in managing marketing communications for the Digital Signal Processor and Memory Divisions played a crucial role in increasing market share and visibility.
As the President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, Trisha has effectively led the organization in its mission to provide access to meals for families in need. Under her leadership, the food bank has expanded its programs and services, significantly increasing its capacity to serve the East and West Dallas communities. Her focus on strategic partnerships and community engagement has proven to be instrumental in enhancing the food bank's infrastructure and outreach efforts.
Trisha serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations, where she has taken on various leadership roles including treasurer and committee chair for governance, nominating, and CEO search committees. Her dedication to improving organizational effectiveness and governance in the nonprofit sector exemplifies her passion for making a positive impact on the community.
In summary, Trisha Cunningham is a proven leader with a diverse background in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Her commitment to empowering communities and leading organizations toward effective and sustainable solutions is evident in all her endeavors.