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2025 Board of Directors

Dara Rossi, PhD, PCC, President

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As a member of ICF North Texas for 6 years, Dara has joyfully served the chapter members in several roles including President-Elect, Director of Alliances, LINC Book Club facilitator, LINC Digital Marketing co-facilitator, and worked on the Membership team, all with the singular focus of elevating coaches and the profession.

Dara founded Workplace Joy Coaching and Consulting and is an Executive Coach and Leadership Development expert dedicated to helping individuals and teams succeed with greater impact. She has coached across all levels from Director to Senior leadership in a wide variety of industries. Dara is certified in the EQi 2.0 and EQ 360 assessments with an MBA and a master’s degree in Dispute Resolution.
 
She is coach trainer and mentor supporting coaches to thrive personally and professionally. Dara also facilitates workshops, speaks at events, and hosts the "No Cape Required" podcast, focusing on authenticity, growth, and confidence to empower women to fly high without a cape.


Natalie Mendez, PCC, President-Elect

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Natalie Mendez is a Leadership Coach and Facilitator who draws on her 20+ years in corporate environments to help leaders create environments that encourage inclusion, connection, and appreciation for each team member's unique talent and contribution. She is certified in multiple assessments, including CliftonStrengths and DISC, and considers herself a lifelong learner who is always ready to take on a new opportunity.
 
Natalie founded Mendez Coaching in 2017 and joined the chapter shortly after. She served on the Board from 2020 – 2022 as Secretary, on the Board Nominations Committee in 2023, and has been on the Membership Committee for most of her time in the chapter. Natalie believes active involvement in ICF NT has been key to her success as a coach and loves supporting new coaches on their journey.


Rory Brannum, ACC, Treasurer

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Rory Brannum is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He has over 29 years of non-profit experience, including 5 years of field service in the Middle East and over 15 years at the board level. 

Prior to becoming a coach, he owned a promotional marketing company for 12 years and was formerly the co-founder of a high-volume HIV specialty pharmacy in Los Angeles. 

He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and his Wellness Coach training from the Mayo Clinic. He received his Life and Leadership Coach training from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. In addition, he is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.

Rory has been a member of ICF-North Texas since 2022 and has served on the Membership Committee since joining the chapter.

Tara Hesson, ACC, Secretary

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Tara Hesson is a leadership development coach and consultant who founded Hesson Talent
Solutions, LLC, a firm focused on helping individuals, teams, and organizations enhance
performance and unlock potential. With over 30 years of experience, she has a proven track
record in talent development, coaching, and consulting across various industries. Her
compassionate, collaborative, and creative approach builds solid relationships and ensures
clients feel supported and understood.

Tara holds a BBA from Abilene Christian University, an MBA from Angelo State University, and an MS in Management with a concentration in Organizational Behavior and Executive Coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is an ACC-accredited coach with the ICF and has been a member of the ICF-NT chapter since 2020.


Steve Hendon, PCC, Past President

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Steve Hendon is a veteran in the world of small business development, leadership development, and performance having spent over 40 years in sales, sales management, marketing, team building, and training. He specializes in executive coaching and working with leaders at all levels. Steve received his BBA from West Texas State University and coach training from the International Coach Academy. He is certified to administer the DISC Behavior assessments through his affiliation with Target Training International and is a certified Stewart Leadership coach. Steve has been the Director of Programs for the last three years and currently facilitates the Business Building LINC Group. Steve believes being active in the chapter provides fellowship, learning, and inspiration to keep growing professionally.

Mayme Doumbia, PCC, Director of Alliances

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Mayme Doumbia, PCC, is an Executive Leadership and Team Coach and Facilitator with a strong background in industrial and organizational psychology. 

She is the founder of Xcelsior Coaching & Consulting LLC, a firm specializing in leadership and team coaching, training, and consultancy services. Mayme's expertise lies in driving strategic change, nurturing organizational culture, and establishing psychological safety in the workplace. 

With a military background that has instilled a deep commitment to service, Mayme currently serves as the President of Coaches of Color and Culture, where she actively contributes to the coaching community's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. 

Her involvement in the International Coach Federation (ICF) spans several years, including her previous role as the Vice President of Equity, Outreach, and Belonging on the ICF Oregon board. 

She continues to play an active role in the ICF-NT coaching community as a DEI committee member. Mayme's dedication revolves around bridging cultural gaps and creating enduring legacies.


Reeshemah L. Davis, ACC, Director of Communications

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Reeshemah L. Davis is the Founder & Principal Consultant of EMBOLDEN Action, utilizing over 24 years of senior executive leadership experience to create powerful and inclusive executive and leadership coaching. Working collaboratively with organizational leaders to create sustainable change is a passion for Reeshemah.


She holds various leadership assessment certifications, such as Myers Briggs®, Gallup-Certified Strengths, and Leadership Circle Profile 360. Reeshemah earned an advanced degree from California State University, Sacramento. She has volunteered for the ICF North Texas DEIB Committee and has worked on Chapter governance projects.



Nicholas Dillon, Director, Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging (DEIB)

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Nicholas Dillon is a Mindset & Recovery Coach with 25 years of experience in Organizational Training and Development.  He is currently working towards his PCC status with ICF and is a Master Level Trainer, #1 Bestselling Author, and International Professional Speaker.  Dillon has spent 10 years consulting and working in the DEI space to support clients with business model implementation as well as supporting leaders in program engagement. Nicholas has also been actively engaged in the IFC North Texas chapter since his relocation to Dallas in 2021 and has served on the ICF-NT DEIB Committee. 

Cheryl Close, MCC, Director of Membership

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Cheryl Close is an executive leadership coach and trainer who develops executives from a variety of industries. She also works with entire leadership teams so that they can become cohesive and powerful regardless of the size of the team or industry. She has experience with leaders and teams in education, business, non-profit, government, and healthcare sectors. Cheryl has been active in the ICF-North Texas Ambassadors member outreach program and served on the chapter’s Membership committee. In addition, she, along with Jim Cooper, founded ICF’s ‘Learn, Interact, Network, Connect’ (LINC) special interest groups that continue to gain popularity.

Susan Daniel, ACC, Director of Programs

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Susan Daniel is a passionate talent development professional with a strong focus on coaching, leadership development, and team effectiveness. Beginning her career at Walt Disney World Resort, she honed her skills in experiential learning and facilitation. Over the years, her commitment to coaching has empowered individuals and teams to unlock their full potential and achieve meaningful results. Susan is dedicated to driving personal and organizational growth. She served on the ICF-NT Board of Directors as the Director of Alliances in 2019-2021.  In addition, she has been an active member of the Chapter’s Programs Committee.  Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, strength training, and traveling with her husband.

2025 Board Positions Still Open


If you want to hear about the benefits of being a Board member and the responsibilities,
or if you are interested in the Director of Special Events
 or Director of Online Platforms position,
please contact Staci Witten (
past-president@icf-nt.com) for more information. 






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