For Immediate Release

Mary Poss Appointed Executive Director of Ebby Halliday Foundation, Set to Lead Philanthropic Vision Across North Texas

Dallas, TX – The Ebby Halliday Foundation, a beacon of philanthropic commitment in North Texas, proudly announces the selection of Mary Poss as its new Executive Director. Poss, a distinguished figure in North Texas real estate and community leadership, brings a wealth of experience, a profound understanding of the region’s needs, and a personal connection to the foundation’s namesake, Ebby Halliday, to this pivotal role. Her appointment marks a significant step forward for the foundation as it aims to amplify its impact on communities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.

Mary Poss’s extensive career is characterized by an unwavering dedication to public service and community betterment. Her illustrious background includes an impactful eight-year tenure on the Dallas City Council, where she served as both acting mayor and mayor pro-tem. During her time in municipal leadership, Poss played a crucial role in shaping key policies and initiatives that fostered economic growth, improved urban infrastructure, and enhanced the quality of life for Dallas residents. Her deep understanding of local governance and community dynamics will be invaluable in her new capacity, providing strategic insights into addressing the pressing social issues faced by North Texans.

A Legacy of Leadership: Mary Poss’s Distinguished Career

Before stepping into her role at the Ebby Halliday Foundation, Mary Poss forged an impressive path in various leadership capacities, both locally and nationally. Her professional journey is a testament to her versatile skill set and commitment to impactful work:

Public Service and National Influence

Dallas City Council: As an eight-year council member, acting mayor, and mayor pro-tem, Poss was instrumental in navigating the city through complex challenges and opportunities, advocating for sustainable development and robust community programs. Her experience in balancing diverse interests and driving consensus will be critical in advancing the foundation’s mission.
Homeland Security Task Force: Poss co-chaired the Homeland Security Task Force of the National League of Cities, a testament to her leadership acumen on issues of national importance. This role involved significant responsibility in shaping policies and strategies to enhance urban resilience and safety across the United States.
North Central Texas Council of Governments: Further demonstrating her regional impact, she served as the regional chair of the Homeland Security Committee for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. This position placed her at the forefront of collaborative efforts to ensure the security and preparedness of the rapidly growing North Texas region.
National League of Cities: Her involvement with the National League of Cities extended to serving on its advisory council, its board of directors, and as vice-chair of its Transportation and Communications Committee. These national roles provided her with a broad perspective on urban challenges and innovative solutions, insights she will now leverage to benefit the Ebby Halliday Foundation.

Continuing Excellence in Real Estate

Despite her demanding new role, Mary Poss will continue to serve her residential real estate clients from Ebby Halliday Realtors’ esteemed Preston Center Office. Her ability to maintain her top-producing agent status while taking on significant leadership responsibilities underscores her extraordinary dedication and capacity for excellence. This continued engagement with the real estate sector also ensures she remains deeply connected to the pulse of the North Texas community, understanding firsthand the evolving needs of its families and individuals.

The Enduring Vision of Ebby Halliday: Foundation’s Core Mission

The Ebby Halliday Foundation, established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to perpetuating the philanthropic spirit of its legendary founder. Ebby Halliday, a true icon in the real estate industry, was not only a business trailblazer but also a compassionate humanitarian who believed deeply in the power of giving back. The foundation’s mission is to fulfill Ebby’s charitable vision by supporting a diverse range of organizations and initiatives, with a particular focus on:

Assisting Women and Children: Recognizing the critical importance of empowering women and safeguarding the well-being of children, the foundation provides vital support to programs that offer refuge, education, healthcare, and opportunities for growth to these vulnerable populations.
Addressing Food Insecurity: In a region as prosperous as North Texas, the reality of food insecurity remains a significant challenge. The foundation actively partners with food banks, meal programs, and community gardens to ensure that individuals and families have consistent access to nutritious food.
Combating Shelter Insecurity: The lack of stable housing is a foundational barrier to a dignified life. The Ebby Halliday Foundation supports shelters, transitional housing programs, and initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness, providing safety and stability to those without a secure place to call home.

As Mary Poss eloquently states, “It’s an honor to be chosen to lead Ebby’s namesake foundation. Throughout her life, Ebby’s dedication to others remained constant. She was a trailblazer in business; however, a successful life to her was about much more than extraordinary sales figures. Ebby was passionate about serving the community she proudly called home.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the foundation’s work—a commitment to human dignity and community upliftment that transcends mere transactions.

A Shared Passion: Mary Poss and Ebby Halliday’s Connection

The synergy between Mary Poss and Ebby Halliday dates back to the 1980s, a connection rooted in their shared dedication to civic improvement. Their paths first crossed when Ebby was the chairwoman of Keep Texas Beautiful, and Poss was actively involved with Clean Dallas. This early collaboration fostered a fast friendship, built on a mutual desire to enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality of communities throughout North Texas. This shared history provides Mary Poss with a unique and personal understanding of Ebby Halliday’s vision, making her an ideal steward of the foundation’s legacy.

Charting a Course for Greater Impact: Mary Poss’s Vision for the Foundation

Mary Poss is approaching her new role with enthusiasm and a clear strategic vision, aiming to significantly expand the Ebby Halliday Foundation’s reach and impact across North Texas. Her initial priorities are pragmatic and designed to foster widespread engagement:

Engaging the Ebby Halliday Family

One of Poss’s immediate goals is to streamline the process for the approximately 2,000 agents within the Ebby Halliday Companies to actively participate in the foundation’s charitable work. “I am very excited with the opportunity to grow the Ebby Halliday Foundation’s impact across North Texas,” Poss states. “Among my initial priorities will be making it very easy for each of the Ebby Halliday Companies’ approximately 2,000 agents to get involved with the foundation.” This initiative aims to harness the collective power and generous spirit of Ebby Halliday’s vast network of professionals, transforming them into a formidable force for good within their local communities. By simplifying the avenues for involvement, Poss seeks to create a culture of widespread philanthropy, allowing agents to contribute through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness for the foundation’s causes.

Strategic Growth and Sustainable Philanthropy

Beyond agent involvement, Poss’s responsibilities will encompass the robust management of the foundation’s assets and the strategic execution of fundraising initiatives for significant philanthropic projects. This includes identifying new partnership opportunities, cultivating donor relationships, and ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the foundation for generations to come. Her leadership will focus on not just meeting immediate needs but also investing in long-term solutions that address the root causes of insecurity and disadvantage in North Texas.

Mary Poss is deeply inspired by Ebby Halliday’s enduring mantra: “Do Something for Someone Every Day.” This philosophy, which guided Ebby throughout her extraordinarily successful life, will serve as a guiding principle for Poss in her new role. “I am incredibly excited to be a part of continuing, and furthering, Ebby’s impact on the North Texas community,” Poss affirms. Under her leadership, the Ebby Halliday Foundation is poised to enter a new era of growth and profound community engagement, reinforcing its position as a vital cornerstone of philanthropy in the region.

The appointment of Mary Poss signifies a vibrant future for the Ebby Halliday Foundation, promising innovative approaches to philanthropy, enhanced community outreach, and a steadfast commitment to the values that Ebby Halliday herself championed. Her blend of public service experience, real estate expertise, and a genuine passion for giving back makes her an exceptional choice to lead this esteemed organization into its next chapter of service.