Email the entire board at board@youthfirsttexas.org

Chris-James Cognetta
Chair
chris.cognetta@youthfirsttexas.org
Chris is an Instructional Designer with specialization in Adult Learning Theory and Interactive Multimedia simulation. He recently acquired his Masters in Counseling Psychology from SMU, and is a 20-year veteran in Training and Development who has also spend 17 years teaching young adults in the Dallas County Community College district, Dallas County Jail Education and the Ford Foundation. He joined the board with the aim of focusing on the social and recreational services that are needed by LGBTQ youth and creating awareness for those who may still feel marginalized by society.

Jeremy Liebbe
Secretary
Chair, Social Services Committee
jeremy.liebbe@youthfirsttexas.org
Jeremy served Youth First Texas as a volunteer for two and a half years before joining the board of directors in January of 2011. Professionally, Jeremy is a Detective Sergeant with the Dallas ISD Police Department, specializing in juvenile narcotics and mental health, and represents Dallas ISD as the governance chair of the Dallas Area Drug Prevention Partnership. He holds two undergraduate degrees and is currently engaged in graduate studies through Walden University in forensic psychology. Jeremy has been active in the LGBTQ community for a number of years through a variety of efforts including serving as a police operations commander for special events including the Alan Ross Freedom Parade, Razzle Dazzle Dallas, Oaklawn Halloween Street Party and Life Walk. Jeremy’s work through YFT focuses on the social services needs and educational advancement of LGBTQ youth.

David Freudiger
Governance Chair
david.freudiger@youthfirsttexas.org
David is a local attorney who has been in practice for over 23 years and holds both a law degree and masters in public administration. While his practice focuses primarily on civil litigation, David dedicates a portion of his practice to legal issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons. David is very active at Midway Hills Christian Church where he is currently an Elder, serves as Chair of the church’s Tolerance Task Force, and previously served as Chair of the Board of Trustees. He has served in volunteer and board positions for a number of non-profit organizations over the past 20 years, most of which focus on the needs of the LGBTQ community. David has been involved as a volunteer with YFT for almost three years, leads the Spirituality Discussion Group, joined the board of directors in January of 2011, and currently serves as the Chair of the board’s governance committee.

Kevin Mackenroth
Treasurer
Chair, Finance and Development Committee
kevin.mackenroth@youthfirsttexas.org

Linnea Fohlbrook
Chair, Volunteer Committee
linnea.fohlbrook@youthfirsttexas.org

Michael Wren
Chair, Programs Committee
Liaison, YFT Collin County
michael.wren@youthfirsttexas.org
Michael is a senior retail professional with experience in merchandise planning and allocation. He became involved as a YFT volunteer in the summer of 2011, quickly becoming active at both YFT Dallas and YFT Collin County. Michael believes that each interaction with the youth, fellow volunteers, and board members solidifies the continued need for this organization and his desire to help where he can. Having served for six months as the liaison between YFT Collin County and the board of directors, Michael chose to join the board of directors where he feels he will be able to further drive YFT’s mission and overall vision of equality for all youth, our future.

Committees:

Youth First Texas carries out its mission, vision, and plans through the work of various standing and special purpose committees. While each committee is chaired by a member of the board of directors, both volunteers and youth actively serve on committees helping to shape and steer the organization. To inquire about the work of or to join one of our committees, please contact the chair of that committee listed above.

Past Directors:

Please click here for a list of our past directors.