Our Board
Our Board combines decades of commercial and financial experience with deep conservation and environmental expertise ….
Fred Brodsky
Founder & Chairman
As a child, Fred Brodsky discovered Dr. Dolittle, and that sparked a lifelong fascination with animals and the natural world. That childhood fascination grew into a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation.
After retiring from a successful career in finance and investment, Fred was able to pursue another passion — helping protect the wildlife that had inspired him since childhood. Together, Fred and his wife, Darla, continue to explore some of the world’s most remarkable wild places. From watching polar bears in Churchill to sharing quiet moments with gray whales and their calves in Baja California to listening to wolves in Yellowstone, these experiences reinforced Fred’s belief that safeguarding the natural world depends on the dedication of scientists, educators, conservationists, and nonprofit organizations working to protect wildlife and the habitats on which it depends. Through the Foundation, he is dedicated to helping these organizations expand their impact and protect wildlife for future generations. As Chairman, he remains committed to thoughtful philanthropy, partnering with organizations whose work creates lasting and measurable benefits for wildlife and the natural world.
Ben Farren
Founder
Darla’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at Austin led her to become a docent at the Dallas Zoo. During her time there she loved sharing her passion with others — helping visitors connect with animals and understanding the importance of conservation. That passion for animals and the natural world was enhanced during travels to Africa, where she experienced firsthand the incredible diversity of wildlife and the delicate balance of their ecosystems. That journey sparked a lifelong curiosity and commitment to learning more about animals and their environments.
Darla’s travels with Fred have taken her from the icy landscapes of Canada to watch polar bears, to the warm waters of Baja California to encounter gray whales, to the ends of the earth in Antarctica to meet penguins, and even to the Arctic to see elusive narwhals. They have also explored the incredible wildlife of Wyoming and Yellowstone, each experience deepening her appreciation for nature’s wonders
David Jacobs
Board Member & General Counsel
David M. Rosenberg focuses his practice on tax, estate planning, individual wealth management, and health law. He advises clients on federal, state, and local taxation for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. His expertise includes forming and managing nonprofits, securing and maintaining tax exemptions, and guiding clients on charitable contributions and planned giving. His community involvement includes serving as Honorary Life Trustee of The Child Care Group, Board Member of The Catholic Foundation, Chairman of the Holland & Knight Foundation, and member of the Audit Committee for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. He also serves on advisory boards for The Crystal Charity Ball and the Junior League of Dallas.
Paul Dyer
Board Member
Paul Dyer joined Dallas Park and Recreation in 1982 and served as Director from 1992–2012. He helped oversee one of the nation’s largest municipal park systems—29,401 acres across 375 parks—including major destinations like Fair Park, the Dallas Arboretum, and especially the Dallas Zoo, where long-range animal care and habitat planning were key priorities.
He led the department’s 2002 Renaissance Plan and advanced major initiatives such as the Downtown Parks Master Plan, Fair Park Development Plan, and the Dallas Zoo Long Range Plan. Paul’s leadership earned honors from the Texas Tech Academy of Engineers, the Friends of Fair Park Spirit of the Centennial Award, and the Dallas Historical Society Award for Excellence.
Board Member
Ben is the Founder and CEO of SPOKE - a UK based apparel brand.
Ben started his career in management consulting, before leaving to launch his first business - a fintech startup in West Africa.
His connection with Africa dates back to the late 1990’s, when he lived in Malawi for 6 months - and enjoyed his first exposure to the incredible landscapes and mega fauna of the African Savannah.
He holds an MA from Cambridge University.
Ben Jones
Board Member
Ben Jones has over 25 years in wildlife conservation working in zoos and national wildlife organizations. He currently serves as Houston Zoo’s Vice President of Conservation and Education. In addition to the Brodsky Family Foundation, Ben serves on the boards of Gorilla Doctors, Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders, Save Giraffes Now, and Texas Parks & Wildlife’s State Parks Advisory Committee. Interested in the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, Ben is passionate about saving wildlife as a context for life-long learning, stronger communities, and enriched life.
Darla Brodsky
Board Member
David M. Jacobs is the Founder and CFO of E2M Partners and a member of its Investment Committee. Before founding E2M, he co-founded Eiger, a real estate fund sponsor and manager, and previously served as CFO of Rosewood Property Company. His experience also includes leadership roles at Property Company of America, International Investment Advisors, and Dalcor Financial. David began his career at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., focusing on real estate advisory and syndications.
A CPA and Baylor University graduate with a BBA in Accounting, he is Past President and current Board Member of the Real Estate Financial Executives Association, a member of the Dallas Real Estate Council, served several years on the board of The Senior Source and is currently Treasurer of The Senior Citizens of Greater Dallas.
R. Harrison Edell
Board Member
R. Harrison Edell is a mission-driven executive with more than 20 years of experience in animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and nonprofit leadership. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society), a Seattle-area nonprofit dedicated to helping cats, dogs, and wild animals go home and thrive through rescue, rehabilitation, and community engagement.
Previously, Harrison was Chief Mission Officer and Executive Vice President of Animal Care & Conservation at the Dallas Zoo, leading large teams in animal care, conservation, education, and partnerships. He has also held leadership and education roles with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Francisco Zoo, and Sacramento Zoo.
Known for strategic clarity, collaborative leadership, and creative problem-solving, Harrison brings expertise in strategic planning, wildlife rehabilitation, animal welfare program development, and cross-sector partnership building.
A Seattle-area resident with two senior rescue dogs, he is deeply committed to creating lasting, meaningful impact for animals, people, and the planet.
