Staff

Brenda Dees has served as Executive Director of Scenic Texas since May 2022. She brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, with a distinguished career as an Executive Director responsible for building organizations from the ground up. Her expertise spans organizational development, fund development, strategic planning, board governance, fiscal management, and public policy, with a consistent record of innovation, accountability, and mission-driven growth.

Prior to joining Scenic Texas, Brenda led several prominent Texas nonprofit organizations, where she established operational infrastructures, created and implemented comprehensive fundraising strategies, secured federal, state, and local grants, and developed policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and accreditation. Her leadership reflects a strong entrepreneurial approach combined with rigorous development practices, effective program design, and a deep commitment to organizational sustainability.

Brenda is recognized for her ability to cultivate a culture of philanthropy among stakeholders, foundations, business leaders, and community partners. She has successfully launched fundraising campaigns, expanded services across multiple regions, established satellite offices, and consistently increased organizational revenues, including the development of cash reserves. Her collaborative leadership style emphasizes transparency, strategic visioning, and measurable community impact.

Since assuming leadership at Scenic Texas, Brenda has strengthened the organization’s financial health by reducing expenses while expanding program services. Under her direction, Scenic Texas introduced new components to the Scenic City Certification Program, including the Scenic City of the Year and People’s Choice contests, the Scenic City Leadership Network, a restructured membership model designed for long-term sustainability, and the weekly Scenic City Showcase highlighting the unique qualities of participating cities.

Brenda has worked closely with Texas municipalities to advance scenic policies, elevate municipal standards, and promote greener public spaces and infrastructure. These efforts have resulted in the planting of nearly 15,000 trees and the securing of approximately $750,000 in in-kind tree donations. Additional achievements include the launch of a highly effective paid internship program in partnership with Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, the production of multiple scenic and conservation-focused videos, and the successful implementation of the annual For the Love of Texas Scenic Bike Ride fundraising events. Under her leadership, Scenic Texas has also expanded its marketing, communications, and community outreach efforts to further advance its mission statewide.

A native Texan born and raised in Freer, Texas, Brenda is deeply passionate about scenic conservation and public service. She holds a Master of Science degree from Corpus Christi State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville. She is dedicated to inspiring others to share Scenic Texas’ vision and mission and remains committed to honoring and serving the State of Texas, its municipalities, and its citizens.

Brenda welcomes collaboration and engagement with partners and supporters to preserve Texas’ scenic landscapes and to ensure Scenic Texas continues to grow in impact and reach.