Leah M. King, CFRE
President, JPS Foundation
Leah M. King serves as President of the JPS Foundation, a nonprofit supporting JPS Health Network, which provides high-quality healthcare to all Tarrant County residents, regardless of ability to pay. Leah leads the Foundation’s strategic vision, financial growth, and community partnerships.
Before joining JPS Foundation in October 2024, Leah served as President and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County, where she also held roles as Executive Vice President and COO. She led initiatives in giving campaigns, donor relations, and community investment, with a focus on health, financial literacy, and education. Leah is a founding member of Women United and has chaired its Women’s Fund Development Committee.
Leah serves as President of the Board at Tarrant Regional Water District and holds leadership roles with several local organizations. She has received numerous honors, including the Opal Lee Trailblazer Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Leah lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Barry.
Denishia A. Reese
Executive Assistant to the President
Denishia A. Reese serves as Executive Assistant to the President at the JPS Foundation. She brings a strong passion for health equity, community wellness, and expanding access to care, supported by her background in healthcare operations and sales. With extensive experience in both healthcare and nonprofit sectors, Denishia has developed skills to manage complex initiatives, streamline operations, and build meaningful partnerships. She is dedicated to supporting the Foundation’s mission by strengthening relationships and contributing to programs that create positive, lasting community impact. Denishia looks forward to collaborating with colleagues, donors, and community members to drive impactful initiatives.
Outside of work, Denishia enjoys spending time with family and friends, fine dining, traveling to new places, and engaging in activities that inspire creativity, connection, and personal growth.
Teresa Yeargins
Director of Foundation Operations
Teresa Yeargins serves as Director of Operations of the JPS Foundation. Teresa is responsible for leading the Operations team, which includes business operations, contract management, and regulatory compliance.
As a lifelong Fort Worth resident, Teresa learned from her parents the importance of contributing to the community and has served on several boards, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation and United Community Centers. Teresa and her husband, Doug, live in Fort Worth and have two children.
Beth Zimmerman
Director of Donor Relations
Beth Zimmerman serves as Director of Donor Relations for the JPS Foundation. In her role, Beth is responsible for leading the Donor Relations Team, which includes annual giving, grants, in-kind donations, and major gifts.
Beth is a TCU alumna who has lived in Tarrant County and worked in Fort Worth for the majority of her career. She has worked in healthcare and higher education and has returned to the JPS Foundation, where she worked earlier in her career. She has served on boards including the Tarrant Literacy Coalition and the Fort Worth Metro Chapter of AFP. She enjoys volunteering and gardening in her free time.
Jeff Hazelrigs
Manager of Donor Relations
Jeff Hazelrigs serves as a Manager of Donor Relations for the JPS Foundation. In his role, Jeff oversees JPS Health Network’s employee and physician giving program, Giving Together, connecting with JPS team members across the network to highlight the impact of their generosity and engagement with the JPS mission.
Jeff lives in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, and is an avid runner and cyclist.
Kelly Edmundson
Manager of Donor Relations
Kelly is a native Fort Worthian who loves that the city feels both like a small town and a big city. She graduated from Nolan Catholic High School and The University of Texas at Austin. Kelly has lived in the Cultural District for 21 years and shares her home with her husband, Josh, and their corgis, Betty and Truman.
Before joining the JPS Foundation, Kelly spent 12 years at the Fort Worth Zoo working in fundraising and special event management. As Manager of Donor Relations, she oversees the Foundation’s annual giving program, leads donor stewardship, and creates engagement opportunities. Kelly also collaborates to plan events, cultivate relationships with donors, and share philanthropy’s impact.
She is an architectural aficionado, aspiring interior designer, and a big fan of dogs (especially Pembroke Welsh corgis), Steve Martin, and Dolly Parton.
Justin Smith
Grant Coordinator
Justin Smith is the Grant Program Coordinator at the JPS Foundation. Justin joined the JPS Foundation in September 2022, bringing his passion for community health and development to his role.
As Grant Program Coordinator, Justin is responsible for managing the grant process—from identifying patient needs and preparing proposals to proposal submission—ensuring that all guidelines and procedures are met within the grant contract. He manages grant reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the funding process.
Justin currently resides in Fort Worth with his wife and two daughters, where he continues to be committed to improving the health and well-being of the local community.
Misti Nevels
Foundation Operations Coordinator
Misti Nevels began her journey with JPS Health Network in 2017 in the Enrollment and Eligibility Department. Through dedication and passion for service, she advanced to Team Lead, supporting patient access and services. In 2023, Misti brought her experience to the JPS Foundation.
She now serves as Operations Coordinator, analyzing data and financial trends to support the Foundation’s Financial Department. Her work helps ensure efficient operations and furthers the mission of supporting JPS patients, programs, and initiatives.
With nearly two decades in healthcare administration, Misti also has a strong background supporting military communities—spending 10 years assisting Active Duty Military members, veterans, and their families in accessing federal and state benefits.
Originally from Olympia, Washington, Misti is a proud mother of two adult children and caretaker of several beloved cats. She brings the same care and commitment to her personal life as she does to her work at JPS.
Dani Marshall
Stewardship and Reception Coordinator
Now back in her hometown of Fort Worth, Dani joins the team with a background in nonprofit management within the museum and cultural sectors, supported by her master's degree from Texas Tech University. Dani is currently the Foundation's Stewardship and Reception Coordinator, and we look forward to her fresh perspectives in the role.
The Stewardship and Reception Coordinator serves as the first point of contact for the JPS Foundation, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment for donors, visitors, and staff. This role also supports donor stewardship activities, including acknowledgment, engagement, and recognition efforts, to strengthen relationships with the Foundation’s supporters.
Alex Bustamante
Donor Relations Coordinator
Alexandra Bustamante serves as the Donor Relations Coordinator of the JPS Foundation. As the Development Coordinator, Alex is responsible for handling in-kind donations, playing a crucial role in ensuring that non-monetary contributions (goods, services, or volunteer time) are effectively managed and utilized to support the network’s mission. In addition, Alex supports the team by handling logistical components of the JPS Foundation’s fundraising strategies, projects, and events.
Prior to joining the JPS Foundation in October 2022, she worked within the hospital, aiding patients in need and solidifying her passion for supporting healthcare services. Alex currently resides in Fort Worth and continues to commit to improving the health and well-being of our community.
Kate Evans
Donor Relations Coordinator
Kate Evans serves as Donor Relations Coordinator at the JPS Foundation. In her role, Kate is responsible for assisting with donor acknowledgements, fundraising campaigns, event coordination, and database management to ensure a seamless and personalized donor experience.
Prior to joining the JPS Foundation, Kate served overseas in an operations role for Campus2Campus in Southeast Asia. She grew in her understanding of fundraising, event coordination, and cross-cultural awareness. She is excited to utilize these skills and make a meaningful impact on the Fort Worth community through this role.
Kate is a California native but first came to Fort Worth to attend TCU for her undergraduate degree. She fell in love with the city through the green spaces and trails, the diversity of food and culture, and the vast coffee scene. She and her husband are thrilled to call Fort Worth home after being away for six years.
Jazmin
JPS Foundation Virtual Engagement Officer
Our virtual engagement officer, Jazmin, powered by artificial intelligence, is the first of its kind and is being developed to help The JPS Foundation accelerate its efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and support patients, caregivers, and the broader community. By engaging with Jazmin, you’re not only supporting The JPS Foundation’s commitment to advancing healthcare for all but also endorsing an innovation that will empower nonprofits worldwide to achieve their life-changing missions.