A LEGACY BUILT AROUND THE LAKE.
Since 1989, the White Rock Lake Foundation has brought together the community to protect, preserve, and enhance one of Dallas’ most treasured spaces.
WE EXIST FOR ONE REASON: THE LAKE
The White Rock Lake Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty, safety, and accessibility of White Rock Lake Park.
We work alongside Dallas Park & Recreation, local partners, and the community to fund projects that make a lasting impact — from trail improvements to historic preservation.
IT STARTED WITH A SHARED VISION
Founded in 1989, the White Rock Lake Foundation was created to unite community resources in support of the lake.
By 1995, the Foundation played a key role in supporting the bond initiative that funded the lake’s first major dredging project — a milestone that helped restore and protect the lake for future generations.
What began as a focused effort has grown into decades of ongoing stewardship.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY THAT PROTECTS THE LAKE
DECADES OF STEWARDSHIP

1989
Foundation established

1995
Major dredging initiative supported

2000s
Trail improvements and park enhancements

2010s
Urban Wildlife Sanctuary designation

Today
Ongoing investment in safety, restoration, and access
WE BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
The Foundation acts as a connector — working with city departments, neighborhood groups, and lake organizations to identify priorities and fund meaningful improvements.
There’s no hierarchy here — just a shared commitment to doing what’s best for the lake.
LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
The Foundation has been guided by dedicated leaders who share a deep connection to White Rock Lake and a commitment to its future.
Kathleen Foley
Kathleen grew up in Texas and then relocated to Nevada where she earned a degree from UNLV in business with a concentration in finance. She has over thirty years-experience in a wide range of management positions in the hospitality, gaming, and real estate industries. After returning to Texas, she settled near White Rock Lake and began spending time there. Being very passionate about protecting the fragile nature of the environment made her want to actively participate in the foundation to help preserve the lake for families and visitors to enjoy. She is a commercial appraiser and real estate broker and tries to spend as much time as possible outdoors.
President
Maria Ganson
Maria Ganson is a 30-year practitioner specializing in health law and related litigation. Joining CHRISTUS Health in 2014, she currently serves as the CHRISTUS Health Vice President, Risk and Deputy General Counsel. Maria’s responsibilities include overseeing litigation both domestically and in LATAM and includes overseeing a team responsible for all phases of risk transfer and claims management in all phases of litigation in several states. In addition, she oversees Risk and Risk Finance including administration of a wholly owned subsidiary captive insurance company and securing all lines of insurance for all CHRISTUS Health’s providers and ministries. When Maria isn’t being a part of the CHRISTUS mission, she enjoys time with her family and two grown daughters either biking or traveling anywhere that is warm or serving on a foundation that supports White Rock Lake.
Vice President
Marcie Guidry
Marcie moved to Dallas in 1984, with most of the time since spent living near White Rock Lake and enjoying all it has to offer. A graduate of Texas Tech University, her career has been spent in the hotel business, first designing them and then becoming an independent sales rep providing products for hospitality projects. She has served on the boards of both business and community organizations in various capacities. Her love of nature inspired her to join the WRLF board and help support its mission of preserving the lake’s natural beauty for all to enjoy.
Secretary
SUPPORTED BY OUR COMMUNITY.
Our work is made possible through the generous support of corporate partners and community members who believe in protecting White Rock Lake.