Unity Church of Dallas - Board of Directors

The board is a team that guides the church spiritually and financially. While the work of the board often involves budgets, personnel and facilities, the board members also sign a pledge to support the church through their tithes, their prayers, and their commitment to apply Unity principles to any situation.

If you wish to contact any board member, please send an email to boarddir@unitydallas.org.

Executive Board Members
Randy Smith, President
David Drumm, Vice President
John Cole, Treasurer
Regina Nobles, Secretary

Board Profiles

John Cole

Professional Background
In 1984 I started Infopoint Systems, Inc. after the folding of the start-up computer company that brought me to Dallas. I have been involved in every aspect of software and systems development, from compilers and operating systems to application programs, have done technical writing, and am a member of the computer science faculty at University of Texas at Dallas.
Unity Church Volunteering
I have attended UCD since 1987. Following are some of my areas of service: Taught in Children’s Church 1987 through 1996; ran Boy Scout Troop 13 for its 9 years’ existence; godfather of unitydallas.org Web site and still own the domain name; chaired the Bylaws Committee in 1994; participated in all-church clean-ups, worked in rose gardens; served on Board 1998 through 2002; have been on the Finance Committee since 1995; member of the EFA Committee (term ends April 2008) and am currently chair of the Ministerial Search Committee.

Vision For the Church
I have often said that UCD is a better school than church but I view all teaching as sacred activity. My vision involves expanding the reach of our teachings well beyond our walls and to see our church become more of a community, providing opportunities to meet beyond just the Sunday services and classes.

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David Drumm
Professional Background
I am a partner in the Dallas law firm of Carrington
Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal, LLP, with a transactional practice focused in commercial real estate and oil and gas exploration and development. In 1980 I graduated from Southern Methodist University Law School, cum laude, and have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin.
Unity Church Volunteering
In 1975 I began attending Unity Church of Dallas and, with my wife, Ann, was involved in creating Unity Day School. I served on the board of directors from 1994-97, including two years as president. In 1996 I became a Licensed Unity Teacher, served on the ministerial search committee in 2003, board nominating committee in 2004, and capital campaign steering committee in 2005. I serve as pro bono legal advisor to UCD on various church legal matters.
Vision for the Church
My vision for UCD is for it to continue to gain in influence and renown as a spiritual learning center for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and the world. The Unity movement was formed as an educational movement based on Jesus’ injunction: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” UCD presents practical spiritual teachings that anyone can use -- a truly noble mission to the world.

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David Fisher
Professional Background
I am the Assistant Director of the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and am part of the team that manages both the strategic direction and the day-to-day operations of this $15 million department. I have an MBA in Nonprofit Management and an MFA in Theater, have served on the board of the Texas Soapmakers Association, and interfaced with both the Bath House Cultural Center Advisory Council and the City of Dallas Cultural Affairs Commission.
Unity Church Volunteering
I have worked as a greeter, usher, and with Creekside on Forest events including directing two staged readings. I serve on the Finance Committee and have also worked on special projects such as the Fellowship Hall renovation and the 2007 Holiday Art Fair.
Vision for the Church
I believe we have many amazing possibilities before us as the church continues to grow in energy, dedication and vibrancy. I see our members continuing to grow and prosper individually, and also becoming more deeply involved and drawing closer as a community. I see great potential in growing our online community and continuing to foster our youth and families and also in the non-church service based offerings such as meditation and discussion groups, and an array of classes and other small groups.

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Lu Gaston
Professional Background
My first career included teaching English, Spanish and journalism as well as writing curriculum for the Dallas Independent School District. After 11 years in education, I accepted the challenge of a radical career change to become a multiline insurance agent. Sales and service were perfect fits for me for the next 24 years. The pleasures of retirement I now enjoy are enhanced by the precious memories of my working years and by the sheer joy of having time to pay back and to pay forward the treasures entrusted to me.
Unity Church Volunteering
My favorite volunteer activities include serving as coordinator of Caring Circle, ushering at the 9 am service, serving as discussion leader for small group study, participating on the board selection committee in 2007, and assisting with the Core Membership classes.
Vision for the Church
My vision for Unity Church of Dallas is for us to provide an open and loving environment for all who seek a spiritual path. As we honor all paths to God, we will provide opportunities for the development of a personal and conscious awareness of divine Spirit. Unity Church of Dallas will be a learning place and a home for everyone who seeks to behold and honor the Christ spirit in all people.

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Regina Nobles

Professional Background
I practiced architecture for 10 years before making my way to the not-for-profit world where I have served for almost 20 years, specializing in affordable housing development, project finance and organizational visioning and management.

Church Volunteering
The chief volunteer opportunity I have found is as sponsor of the YOU program, and I am in the kitchen most Sundays with Common Grounds.

Vision for the Church
My vision for UCD is that it be a welcoming and joyful church that speaks for peace at a time when the world badly needs peacemakers.

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Melinda Powell
Professional Background
My experience is working in the community’s non-profit sector. I have experience in publishing, marketing, sales, and special event coordination, and have served on several non-profit boards. In my spare time, I have been an active, loving guide to my three socially and spiritually conscious children – Tanner – age 25, Tara – 20, and Macy – 15. Finally, I would not be who I am without the loving support of my husband of 26 years, Brad.
Unity Church Volunteering
We have attended UCD for four years and I have been a member for two years. I have been a small group leader and have recently taken over as Small Groups Coordinator. I am hoping to see expansive growth in these groups. They are placed where special relationships are built between members. Ultimately, strong relationships build a stronger church. I also enjoy working in the hospitality areas of service.
Vision for the Church
I see UCD and its members as being the rock of spirituality and, at the same time, the light of spirituality in the community and the world. It is at our church that people come for spiritual nourishment, community, renewal and energy, and where they find the tools of Spirit. As we grow stronger, we will grow larger. Empowering!

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Loreine Smith

Professional Background
As the founder and principal of Life Plan Strategies, LLC, I specialize in financial planning, tax services and business consulting. With varied experience through 17 years in public accounting, I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and have also achieved the Accredited Asset Management designation from the College of Financial Planning. Additionally, I have served on many not-for-profit boards including Women Connecting Women and Dallas CPA Study Group, both of which I co-founded. I am a graduate of UT-Arlington.

Church Volunteering
I have attended UCD since 2003 and became a member in 2004. I became aware of Unity through Silent Unity and the Daily Word while living in East Texas and feel immensely blessed and grateful now to be a part of UCD. I have volunteered in various capacities and have served for the last several years on the Endowment Fund Advisory Committee. My most thrilling moment to date at UCD was seeing my son recognized as a member-at-large in Youth of Unity.

Vision for the Church
My vision for the church is that it continues to prosper and grow, that the Unity message greets whomever is open to hear it, and that Unity continues outreach to members, guests and the public at large.

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Randy Smith

Professional Background
I have 20 years’ human resources experience and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Louisiana Tech University. As Principal, Employee Relations, I have responsibility for employee and manager coaching and development, performance management, conflict resolution, employment compliance, policy and process design/implementation, and transitioning teams through change. I have also led HR initiatives related to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

Church Volunteering
I have served as the Vision Campaign co-chair, as past leader of UCD’s outreach and as current leader of membership programs including and facilitating the new member Core classes. I have worked with Katrina and tsunami relief efforts, food, blanket and shoe drives, as an usher/greeter, home study group host, and setting up the garage sale. My personal favorite: leading the “adoption” of red wagons for Scottish Rite Hospital and coordinating the raffle of “Ruby”, a 2006 red Mini Cooper convertible.

Vision For the Church
I rarely leave church without saying, “Wow, I am grateful for that experience!” My vision is that all people are eagerly welcomed and embraced and that each one of us on this journey knows and expresses God in unique and imaginative ways. I hold the vision that UCD and you, together, will create “wow” experiences in your spiritual life.

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