Roger Perry was honored with the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Pete Sessions Chairman’s Award at its luncheon on January 21 held at the Lakewood Country Club.
The award is given to a Chamber member who has provided exemplary service through the years. It was presented by Congressman Pete Sessions, who also presented Perry with a Congressional Plate and Resolution, and a flag that was flown over the Capitol Building.
The award is given annually to an individual for their significant contributions to the Chamber through their professional experience, community engagement, and leadership.
Perry served three years as chairman from 2011 to2013 and his leadership has breathed new life into the organization, transforming it into an exciting and active group. Former members returned as he charted a new course for the organization, and that momentum continues today.
Perry has played an active role in improving the East Dallas community through his participation and leadership in a multitude of East Dallas organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the State Fair of Texas, the Fulton School, and Dallas Academy. He has also actively served on a variety of other boards and community initiatives, including Keep Dallas Beautiful, Clean Dallas East, the White Rock Centennial Committee, the East Dallas YMCA, White Rock Partners, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Ferguson Road Initiative, Disciples of Trinity, Commit!, and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS).
As the longest-serving headmaster in Dallas, Perry has led the vision at Lakehill Preparatory School since 1982. His dedication and leadership has created an exceptional environment for its students and employees and the school was twice nominated for the Dallas Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Dallas.
Chamber Chair Darlene Ellison provided a brief history of the Chamber and honored past chairs in recognition of its rich history. Former chairs in attendance were: Bulldog Cunningham, Jim Davis, Bud Doxey, Charlotte Herr, Joy Hopkins, Liz Minyard Lokey, Paul Lokey, Michael Miles, Roger Perry, Mary Poss, Carl Schieffer, Hon. Pete Sessions, Sandi Vullo, Sherryl Wesson and Don Wilson.
The Chamber was incorporated as the Greater East & South Dallas Chamber of Commerce in 1967 and changed its name to the East Dallas Chamber of Commerce in 1971 to serve the local businesses in the East Dallas area. The Dallas Northeast Chamber of Commerce came into being January 1, 1997, with the consolidation of the East Dallas Chamber and the Lakewood Chamber. In 2013, name was officially changed to the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has an increased membership and more businesses are involved with community development.
The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce promotes the commercial, civic, cultural, educational and industrial interests of the East Dallas Area so that its businesses, neighborhoods and citizens shall prosper. For more information, visit eastdallaschamber.com.
Photo by Gigi Ekstrom