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January 27, 2022

Dallas Regional Chamber announces 2022, 2023 chairmen

The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) recently announced Bob Pragada, president and chief operating officer of Jacobs, has been elected to serve as its 2022 chair of the board. Pragada, along with 2021 Chair Michelle Vopni, Dallas office managing partner for Ernst & Young, headlined the organization’s recent annual meeting.

Pragada joined Jacobs in 2006, and in 2016, the global technology-forward solutions company moved its headquarters to Dallas from California. With $14 billion in revenue and a talent force of approximately 55,000 employees based in 30 countries, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

“When Jacobs relocated, it was apparent the DRC was the go-to civic organization in the Dallas region to get things done,” Pragada said. “I’m honored to lead one of the largest business organizations in the country in this world-class city where Jacobs is involved with so many iconic projects. During my one-year term as Chair, I will work to put the Dallas Region on the world stage, attract more tech talent to our area, and double down on the DRC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.”

Vopni will remain on the DRC’s executive committee.

“I have enjoyed my role leading the DRC Board in 2021 and am proud to be engaged with this remarkable group of Dallas business leaders,” Vopni said. “I am confident Bob and the DRC will continue to challenge the businesses to show up and make a difference now and in the future.”

Rafael Lizardi, chief financial officer of Texas Instruments Inc. (TI), has been elected by the board to serve as DRC Chair in 2023. During his career at TI, Lizardi has held several key leadership positions, including director of corporate financial planning and corporate controller.

“Bob graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and I’m a West Point grad, so we’ll keep the DRC board in line,” Lizardi said with a laugh. “There’s no better place in the world to live, work, and do business than the Dallas Region, and I’m honored to collaborate with my board colleagues and DRC CEO Dale Petroskey and his talented team to make sure this area continues to thrive.”