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Denise Root, CHEF Executive Director

Denise Root has served as Executive Director of the Cedar Hill ISD Education Foundation (CHEF) since 2010. With over 40 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting education through strategic fundraising and community engagement. Under her leadership, CHEF raises funds for initiatives that fall
outside traditional public school funding, including classroom projects, scholarships, and
enhanced learning tools.

Denise began her nonprofit career with the Effie Marie and Wofford Cain Foundation, managing $30 million in investments. She then spent 17 years at Northwood University, overseeing national recognition programs such as Distinguished Women and Outstanding Business Leaders, and later helped launch and lead the university's North Texas Alumni Chapter, serving as chapter president in 2003–2004. In recognition of her professional accomplishments and alumni involvement, she received Northwood University’s Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award in 2009, the university’s highest honor for alumni.

She also served as Director of Alumni for the School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she created alumni affinity programs, increased alumni engagement and giving, and established a Distinguished Alumni Awards initiative.

Denise holds a BBA in Management from Northwood University and is a Certified Education Foundation Leader (CEFL). She also holds a Fund Development Certification and has completed leadership programs including Leadership Southwest (2008) and Leadership Texas (2012).

In 2023, Denise was honored as the Cedar Hill Chamber’s Woman of the Year for her continued leadership and service to the community. She currently serves as President and New Generations Chair of the Rotary Club of Cedar Hill.

She remains actively involved in professional organizations supporting education and nonprofit excellence, including the National Association of Education Foundations, Texas Education Foundation Network, North Texas Education Foundation Network, Leadership Southwest Alumni and the Center for Nonprofit Management.