BOARD OFFICERS
Marti Conner, President
“We all have the gift of time, talent, and resources. What better way to utilize these gifts than to help a child and open their eyes to a brighter future? Seeing the smiles on the faces of every child when they receive new clothes, shoes, books, and more is the biggest blessing of all.”
Marti brings over thirty years of experience in marketing and strategic planning at an executive level, working with some of the largest for-profit and non-profit health care systems in the United States, including Cook Children’s Health Care System and Baylor Health Care System. Her expertise encompasses media and public relations, sales management, community and guest relations, telemarking, and research.
Marti has volunteered with Kids Matter for over seven years, in addition to Chairing the Marketing Committee and various fundraising activities for Kids Matter. She has always been a strong advocate for charitable work, previously working with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, First Friday Women’s Group, Project Hand-Up, Fort Worth Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Arthritis Foundation.
Lisa Harrington, Chairman
Lisa lives in Trophy Club, Texas with her husband of 25+ years and several four-legged loved ones.
She is the CEO and Founder of Abiding Strategy, a leadership consulting practice started in 2009. She has two books: "Taking in Strays: Leadership Lessons from Unexpected Places" and "Abiding Strategies: Build your Best Business Foundation."
She values truth, friendship, service and gratefulness. As an “Army brat” she learned about patriotism, adaptability and strength. She’s certified in non-profit management and has served on many local charity boards. In January 2023, she was certified as a Parish Lay Minister for her church.
Lisa has been active with Kids Matter for several years because she understands how important the formative years are for our children. KMI helps them understand their value to the world with our clothing and literacy programs.
Bill Sandlin, Chairman Emeritus
“I quickly fell in love with the children and families we serve through Kids Matter. I have been privileged to devote my time and energy to impact the lives of children in need.”
Bill graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He began his professional career with Johnson & Johnson, served as General Manager for the ClayDesta Corporation and then Bill went on to found Southwest Commercial Investments, Inc. (SCI). SCI exclusively represented First American Bank, First Gibraltar, FSB, Bank One, and Chase Bank in their disposition of assets in the West Texas markets. Bill relocated to Southlake, Texas and became Senior Vice President for Synergy Properties in Fort Worth.
Bill dedicates his time and resources to Kids Matter because they make a large impact in the lives of children in our local communities. Bill and his wife, Rexanna, have two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth and Taylor.
Paul Wolf, VP US
Paul W. Wolf is a business investor and senior strategy / business development leader based in Southlake, TX. With a career spanning over three decades in enterprise information technology consulting and managed services, he has balance of strategic thinking and execution skills. Along with his wife Caren, Paul is the co-founder of CP Wolf Ventures, LLC, a business investment firm primarily focused on small businesses and franchises.
Outside the corporate arena, Paul is an active member of various initiatives, including The Miracle Foundation and Retail Orphan Initiative. In addition, he was a past President of Rotary International (Southlake TX Chapter), and Boy Scouts of America, where he served as Scoutmaster for Troop 168 in Southlake, TX. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management Information Systems from Purdue University, Paul is a someone known for his strategic vision, executive leadership, and commitment to community service.
Personally, Paul and Caren have been married 34 years and have 3 grown children, all graduates of Carroll High School. Their passion is to serve under-privileged children.
You can reach him at [email protected] or connect via phone at 972.679.7306.
Rebecca Langston, VP International
“Through my work and personal life, I am always advocating for our youth. Children are gifts from God and it is our duty to protect and nurture them.”
Rebecca Langston is a practicing attorney at Langston & Langston, PPLC in Jackson, Mississippi. Rebecca’s focus is birth trauma, representing the mothers and infants who have been injured or killed in the birth process. Along with personal injury, Rebecca represents a wide array of legal needs for her clients.
Rebecca graduated from the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law. Following her education, she achieved a handful of prestigious honors and awards, including the AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and a member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Rebecca is currently serving as a member of numerous Boards and Associations.
Rebecca is an advocate for children, starting with her career and moving into her personal life. She cares deeply about the well-being our youth. Rebecca serves on the Board of Kids Matter, advising the focus and direction Kids Matter takes daily. Rebecca lives in Southlake, Texas with her family.
Lisa Swauger, Secretary
My name is Lisa Swauger, and I am a highly experienced professional who has held various positions in the furniture and textile industry, including Vice President, Home Furnishings Product Manager, and Design Director. After a successful career, I chose to focus on my family and spent the past 21 years raising my two children, who are now adults.
My interest in community service began when my oldest child was in elementary school. I joined the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and assumed the role of Basket Raffle Chair, followed by a position as VP of Family Events on the board. As my children grew older, we volunteered together for organizations such as the National Charity League, Young Men's Service League, and the Central Night Shelter in Atlanta.
In 2012, I joined Kiddos Clubhouse Foundation, where I played a pivotal role in organizing their annual 5K run, which was their primary fundraiser. I was responsible for soliciting corporate sponsorships and donations, and I played a critical role in the set-up and organization of the event. I was eventually invited to join the board and attended regular meetings as well as quarterly scholarship reviews, where I participated in the decision-making process for scholarship awards.
Since relocating to Texas, I have continued my commitment to community service by working with Doodle Dandy Rescue as a foster. My primary role is to help dogs find permanent homes, and I find this work to be very rewarding.
I am passionate about volunteering with organizations that help those who are unable to help themselves, and I am confident that my experience and expertise would be an asset to any organization.
Tim McLarty, Treasurer
Tim McLarty was the former Senior Vice President/Territory Manager for South Central for Kohl’s Department stores and was responsible for the strategic direction of stores by leading sales, profitability, and people development. He led the team through Company initiatives as well as participates in cross-functional projects with partners. Tim is currently exploring new opportunities for his next steps.
Tim graduated in 1989 from University of the South - Sewanee with a Bachelors of Art in Psychology. In 2000, he received his Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University. Beginning his professional career with Macy’s then joining Kohl’s in in 2004 as a District Manager. Since then, he was promoted to Regional Manager in Wisconsin then moved to Florida. In 2011, Tim was promoted to Senior Vice President/Territory Manager in Texas and was responsible for 211 stores for the chain.
Tim and his wife, Jana, currently reside in Tampa, FL. They have two boys, Jack and Max, which are currently in college. Both Tim and Jana are active in several charities throughout the area; including Kids Matter International and Boys and Girls Club Tarrant County. They find joy in volunteering which drives their passion to give of their time and resources.
