FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 21, 2025) – United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) is pleased to announce two new vice presidents joining its leadership team to advance the organization’s mission of improving the lives of individuals and families across Tarrant County.
Anthony Hernandez will serve as Vice President for Education and Youth Opportunity, starting Oct. 27. Hernandez, a Tarrant County native, brings extensive experience in regional education initiatives, teacher development, and cross-sector collaboration. He previously served as Executive Director of City Teaching Alliance in Dallas-Fort Worth, overseeing programs that reached countless students and teachers annually.
"We are thrilled to welcome Anthony to our team," said Shon Dorsey, EVP and Chief Impact Officer at UWTC. "He not only brings deep expertise in education strategy and youth development but also a personal connection to Tarrant County. He knows our community, understands its unique challenges, and is committed to all those we serve ."
As VP for Education and Youth Opportunity, Hernandez will lead UWTC’s countywide education strategy, spanning early childhood through postsecondary and workforce entry. He will focus on data-driven impact, cradle-to-career system building, program design, and collaboration with civic, public, and private stakeholders to promote equitable educational outcomes.
Jennifer Strand joins UWTC as Vice President for Research and Innovation, starting Nov. 3. Strand brings a PhD in Health and Neuroscience Psychology and more than a decade of experience leading applied research and evaluation in nonprofit and academic settings. She has spent 25 years working with North Texas nonprofits, giving her a deep understanding of local community needs and strategies to drive measurable impact.
"Jennifer is a recognized research and strategy expert with a proven ability to turn data into actionable solutions for complex social challenges," said Dorsey. "Her knowledge of the North Texas nonprofit landscape and her experience leading innovative, data-driven initiatives will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate positive outcomes across Tarrant County."
In her role, Strand will oversee UWTC’s research, evaluation, and innovation functions, including community-based research, program evaluation, organizational consulting, and thought leadership. She will drive evidence-based strategies across education, community health, and financial security, ensuring that programs are both impactful and scalable.
Both of these new positions align with United Way of Tarrant County’s new strategic vision, signaling a new era of innovation, collaboration and direct impact by embracing new technologies, data-driven solutions and community-focused programming.
For more about UWTC and its team, visit unitedwaytarrant.org.
About United Way of Tarrant County
United Way of Tarrant County, a nonprofit leader in North Texas, mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. We identify critical needs, foster collaboration, and invest in solutions that drive change. Through our four impact areas—education and youth opportunity, community health, financial security, and community resiliency—our programs serve more than 400,000 individuals annually. After celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2022, we remain committed to empowering Tarrant County residents for generations to come.
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Media Contact:
Deanna Titzler
deanna.titzler@unitedwaytarrant.org
Tel: 817-258-8025
Kimber Westphall
Tel: 316-516-3277