33 Wonderful Years — A Journey of Gratitude
My career evolved from Membership Services to Conference Director and ultimately to Executive Director. Each role brought new responsibilities, new challenges, and new opportunities to learn and grow. Looking back, I realize that each position helped prepare me for the next, while deepening my appreciation for the society, its members, and the important work we did together.
One of the greatest privileges of my career has been the opportunity to work with so many dedicated dental professionals, volunteer leaders, colleagues, and friends. I have witnessed firsthand the commitment and passion that make DCDS and the association so special. The relationships built along the way have been among the most rewarding gifts of these 33 years, and I will treasure them long after my retirement.
Serving as Executive Director has been an honor I have never taken lightly. Leadership is about more than managing day to day responsibilities or planning meetings and Conferences. It is about listening, building trust, navigating challenges, celebrating successes, and working together toward a common purpose. I am grateful to everyone who shared in that work and helped make our society what it is today.
Of course, a journey of 33 years brings countless memories — exciting conferences, important milestones, unexpected challenges, wonderful accomplishments, and moments of laughter and friendship. Not every day was easy, but every experience contributed to the journey, and each one taught me something valuable. Through it all, I have been reminded that an organization’s greatest strength lies in its people and the shared commitment that brings them together.
As I close this chapter, my heart is full of gratitude. Thank you to the volunteer leaders who placed their trust in me, to the members who supported our work, to my colleagues who stood beside me, and to everyone who played a part in making these years so special. Whatever success I have enjoyed has been made possible, in large part, by everyone with whom I have had the privilege to work with.
Although I am retiring from my role as Executive Director, I will always feel connected to DCDS and the dental community that have been such an important part of my life. I leave with tremendous pride in the journey we have shared, confidence in the future, and sincere appreciation for the opportunity to have served.
Thirty-three years ago, I began with a responsibility to serve our membership. Today, I conclude this remarkable journey with so much more than a career behind me. I carry friendships, cherished memories, invaluable lessons, and a deep sense of gratitude for all that these years have given me.
Thank you for making these 33 years so wonderful. It has truly been a privilege, and I will always look back on this chapter with pride, affection, and a grateful heart.
Everyone has said you will know when it is time to retire and I am still waiting on that to happen. My heart does say it is time to focus on my wonderful spouse, Rex, who made it possible for me to devote all these years to DCDS.
Last but certainly not least, I will miss my wonderful DCDS Team. They are the best and I could not have asked for a better team to work side by side with every day.
DCDS will be in wonderful hands as Dr. Carmen Smith took the role of Executive Director on October 16, 2026. I have worked with Carmen as a Board Member, Treasurer, Conference Chairman and President and she definitely has the pulse of DCDS.
Wishing everyone at DCDS all the best...you are truly the greatest component society of ADA and TDA!
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Open House Honoring Jane Evans
Stop by the DCDS Executive Office as we celebrate Jane Evans and her remarkable 33 years with Dallas County Dental Society — including 23 years as Executive Director. During this casual open house, we will honor Jane with refreshments, memories, photos and plenty of stories as she transitions into retirement.
