DALLAS — The turmoil over the leadership of Fair Park First, the nonprofit that manages Fair Park continues. Fair Park First Board President Darren James, who’s led the organization since its inception in 2018, announced Wednesday he’s resigning effective June 25.
James’ announcement came days after the board approved reinstating its CEO Brian Luallen after a lengthy meeting Monday. The board had placed Luallen on a 45-day paid leave of absence in May.
“It’s been my honor and pleasure to serve as the first Fair Park First President and Chair of the Board since our inception in 2018,” James wrote in a June 19 letter addressed to the Fair Park First Board of Directors. ‘We were able to engage our neighbors to a level that engendered trust and faith in the future with their inclusion in Fair Park’s economic and recreational activities. The Minority Business Community has benefited through what we have done to intentionally look out for new opportunities for prime and significant roles on project opportunities on campus.”
‘We created a significant capital program enhancing the Cotton Bowl Stadium that led to the extension of the Red River Rivalry and home to a new Women’s Professional Soccer team,” James added.
The board will meet Tuesday to appoint a new board chair, and a statement from the board to WFAA indicates additional board members may opt to step away from the board as their terms end.
“While I am extremely proud of the collective accomplishments we have achieved, including fundraising at unprecedented levels, and the passage of the Brimer Bill and Prop A, it is time for the Board and Organization to embark on the next era of existence with a new Chair and President,” James added. “I am confident in the Board’s ability to find a replacement who will continue to lead the organization to new heights.”
The board said they’re still awaiting the results of an audit into Fair Park finances, which Luallen had requested before he was placed on leave. Luallen had raised concerns that the park’s operator, Oak View Group may have "inaccurately, and we hope inadvertently, allocated and utilized restricted funds raised by Fair Park First for daily park operations." Oak View Group denied any wrongdoing.
“We continue to await the final results of financial audits currently being conducted by both an outside accounting firm representing Fair Park First and the City of Dallas,” Fair Park First’s statement continued. “Fair Park First will continue its fundraising efforts to benefit Fair Park but is considering measures to enhance and retain additional financial control of the dollars the organization is able to raise from private resources.”
