Austin, TX — Texas Dance Hall Preservation (TDHP), the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Texas’ iconic dance halls and the vibrant culture they represent, proudly announces the appointment of Jean Spivey as Executive Director. TDHP also welcomes four new board members, expanding its leadership team with expertise across architecture, public service, cultural policy, finance, and historic venue management.

Since its founding in 2007, TDHP has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to dance halls across the state, developed vital resources like its Mothball Toolkit and Extreme Weather Preparedness Report and received the Texas Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation in 2022 for its leadership in preserving cultural landmarks.

“Texas dance halls are more than historic buildings—they’re gathering places that hold generations of stories and memories,” said incoming TDHP Board President John Faulk. “With Jean’s leadership and the incredible breadth of experience our new board members bring, TDHP is poised for a powerful new chapter.”

A longtime Austin resident, Jean Spivey brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership, event production, and arts marketing to TDHP. Best known for transforming Old Settler’s Music Festival from financial hardship into a nationally recognized event, Jean grew the festival’s budget from $200,000 to $1.4 million and attendance to 18,000. As the sole full-time staff member, she oversaw every aspect of the production including programming, marketing, volunteer coordination, and financial management. She teaches concert promotion at Austin Community College and has advised arts organizations nationwide through Arts Consulting Group and JKS Works.

The four new board members are: John Faulk, Sharon Fleming, Laura Pishion, and Valerie Welch. A retired development professional from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, John Faulk and his wife Mary Lynn are Lifetime Members of Texas Dance Hall Preservation. His long-standing commitment to the organization and to preserving Texas heritage brings a vital community perspective to the board.

An award-winning preservation architect and former Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, Sharon Fleming led the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program and launched the Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, helping secure more than $3 billion in restoration investments. She will serve as the organization’s Secretary.

Managing Director of Asset Management at National Equity Fund, Laura Pishion oversees more than 560 multifamily properties in Texas and the Western U.S. With over two decades in affordable housing finance, she brings a strong fiscal foundation to TDHP’s preservation efforts and has taken the role of the organization’s Treasurer.

Valerie Welch is the General Manager of the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. With more than 20 years in Hill Country events and hospitality, she has a deep-rooted love for Texas culture, live music, and historic venues.

Texas Dance Hall Preservation’s returning board members include Josh Conrad, Alyson McGee and Megan E. Ortiz. Together, this expanded team strengthens TDHP’s mission to protect Texas dance halls—ensuring they remain centers of community life, live music, and cultural memory. Learn more about the TDHP board here.

“These halls are woven into the fabric of Texas,” said Spivey. “I’m honored to work alongside this exceptional board to help preserve them for future generations.”

Learn more or support TDHP’s efforts at www.texasdancehall.org.