Who We Are

History

In August, 1970, a “Town Hall” meeting of parents and persons interested in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was held in the Community room of Northeast National Bank in Birdville, TX.  From this meeting emerged the Birdville Arc.  Chartered and incorporated in May, 1971, the organization is affiliated with The Arc of Texas and The Arc of the United States.

Since its founding, the Birdville Arc has been expanding its influence across the DFW Metroplex, becoming The Arc of Northeast Tarrant County in 1995, then Arc Greater Mid Cities in 2016, and The Arc of DFW Area in 2019.  Throughout all these changes we have remained true to our grass-roots advocacy heritage, and we are still an all-volunteer membership-driven agency.

Officers

• 

  James Lunday, CPA President

  James has worked in  the accounting field for over 20 years and is currently employed as the Controller for Tenaska Power Services Co in Irving. James, his wife Michelle and their son Luke live  in Trophy Club. James is passionate about improving the quality of supports and services for members of the IDD community in Texas and helping other parents and families navigate the journey.

• 

  Allana Banks Secretary

  Allana resides in Haslet. She moved to Texas from St. Louis, Mo in 2014. Allana currently is a Lead Marketing Manager for AT&T. Although her career is in Marketing, she is passionate about helping families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Allana has two children (Ariana and TJ) and a fur baby named Cocoa.

• 

  Curtis Klieger, ChSNC Treasurer

  Curtis is a founding partner of Stonewater Financial with over 11 years of experience helping individuals and families work toward their financial goals. Curtis is a native of Cleveland, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, and now lives in Princeton, TX, with his wife Paige and their three dogs. Curtis believes his financial background can play a valuable role in providing resources, advocacy, and services to empower those with developmental disabilities and wants to put his experience to work helping The Arc of DFW Area.

• 

  Ellen Bauman Past President

  Ellen lives in Joshua and is a grassroots advocate for people with disabilities and their families. Ellen is vice Chair of the Governor’s Committee on People with  Disabilities, Chair of Texas Parent to Parent Board of Directors, and Co-Chair of a multi-agency DME Back-Up Power Taskforce. Ellen also serves as a member on the HHSC’s Texas Council on Consumer Direction and HHSC’s Direct Service Worker Taskforce.

Directors

• Beverly Black

  Beverly is a retired worker and an active advocate for herself and other people with  disabilities. She is President of The Self-Determination Group and a member of United Advocates. Beverly can often be seen walking the halls at the Texas Capital speaking up for herself and those who are denied  their voice.

• Julia Chalker

  Julia is the District Transition Coordinator of an area school district, President of REACH Resource Centers on Independent Living, an experienced speaker  on transition- and sibling-related topics, and most importantly, the sister of a brother with autism, Bobby. Julia is passionate about preparing individuals of all ages, as well as their families, for the transition from school-aged entitlement services to post-graduate services.

• Marie Cooney

  Marie Cooney is the mother of 6 children, 2 that she adopted when they were very young. She has 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. One of her grandchildren lives life with a disability which leads Marie to try to help others with disabilities. She worked in the aircraft industry for over 30 years and was a member of the Executive board on the Lockheed Martin Aero Club representing the International Association of Machinists for 14 years. She served both employees and the community during that time. She is currently a volunteer assistant of the Self-Determination Group which is under the umbrella of The Arc of DFW Area.

Interested in Serving on Our Board?

Members in good standing are encouraged to apply.

• Expectations of Board Members
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Board Member Application
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form

Complete Board Nomination Form and submit by August 1st.