Ben Leal is the President at The Addy Foundation, where he has the pleasure of assisting in the funding of agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth region to meet critical needs in civics, culture, education, health, and social services. As President of The Addy Foundation, Ben ensures that The Addy Foundation provides timely, meaningful support to organizations fostering innovative and proven solutions that best serve those in need.
Ben joined The Addy Foundation in 2020 with the shared vision of inspired communities rich in opportunity. He has years of experience in the not-for-profit field. He began his career working for The State of Texas in the Governor’s Office and later served as a Legislative Director for The Texas House of Representatives. It was after working in the government sector that Ben found his true passion for nonprofit work.
Ben is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University with a B.A. in political science, focusing on Public Policy and Urban Development, with a minor in Economics. He holds his Strategic Perspective in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School and has his Nonprofit Certification in Management through Southern Methodist University.
Ben has served on appointed committees such as the City of Dallas Citizen Bond Committee, the Attendance and Boundaries Committee for the Dallas ISD, and the Citizen Budget Review Committee. He is also currently the Board Chair for United to Learn. Ben was appointed to the DFW International Airport Board of Directors by the Dallas City Council where he currently serves as Secretary. He also serves on the AT&T Performing Arts Center Board of Directors as well. Ben is a proud Leadership Dallas Alumni and Member of The Dallas Assembly. Mr. Leal is also an active member at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where he enjoys volunteering and serves on the Horizon Outreach Fund.
Ben grew up in San Antonio and lived in Austin before his move to Dallas. Dallas is his home and a city he has always wanted to live in. Ben appreciates the people, culture, diversity, arts/theater, and sports that Dallas has to offer