Denise Root, CHEF Executive Director
Denise Root began serving as the Executive Director of the Cedar Hill ISD Education Foundation in 2010.
Her 36 years of nonprofit experience began with the Effie Marie and Wofford Cain Foundation where she managed $30 million in cash investments. Following that she moved into the educational arena where she filled various professional roles over a period of 17 years with Northwood University. This included managing the university’s two national signature recognition programs, Distinguished Women and Outstanding Business Leaders. These two programs recognized and honored men and women who were outstanding leaders in their industries.
Denise is a founding member of the Northwood University Alumni Association’s North Texas Chapter where she also served as president in 2003-2004. For all her efforts in working with alumni and her professional accomplishment, she received the University’s highest honor for alumni, the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.
Her nonprofit experience also includes serving as the Director of Alumni for the School of Management for the University of Texas at Dallas where she worked to create alumni affinity programs and increase alumni volunteer involvement and giving. She was responsible for creating a Distinguished Alumni Awards Program for the School of Management.
Denise earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Northwood University. She is a Certified Education Foundation Leader (CEFL) which she earned through the National School Foundation Association and National University. She also holds a Fund Development Certification from the Center for Nonprofit Management and is a member of the Leadership Southwest Class of 2008, and Leadership Texas Class of 2012. She currently serves as the New Generations Chair of the Rotary Club of Cedar Hill.
Denise has served in many leadership roles in the nonprofit arena and remains actively involved with several professional organizations that support education and nonprofits. They include the National School Foundation Association, the Texas Education Foundation Network, the North Texas Education Foundation Network, the Texas School Public Relations Association, and the Center for Non-Profit Management.