Lewisville Park Alliance Board
Cindy Meridith, President
As an outdoor-loving child of the 70's, Cindy spent much of her youth in local recreation centers and public parks. Having a place to play and learn had a major impact on the rest of her life. Cindy is retired, but spent years working with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Susan G Komen, as well as spending years volunteering with youth organizations and working with Irving and Lewisville PARD. Most recently, she served on the Lewisville Park board through the building of Thrive multigenerational recreation center. She resides in Lewisville and is married to Coucilman William Meridith.
“Parks and Recreation are very near and dear to me. These programs and facilities helped shape me into the person I am today. I feel this is a part of the "It takes a village" philosophy. And, in my village I want to do everything I can to make sure every child gets the same chance I did. Invest in Play - it will never hurt!”
Erum Ali, Secretary
A DFW native, Erum has lived in Lewisville since 1992. After initially pursuing a degree in English, in 2003 Erum discovered her life’s passion of real estate and community development and is a licensed Realtor and Residential Property Manager. Erum quickly immersed herself in the Lewisville community with volunteering and active participation in LISD schools. She is a graduate of City of Lewisville's Citzens University, served on the Old Town Design Review Committee, 10 minute Walk To A Park Focus Group, past Thrive Ambassador and is currently serving a second term as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner.
Natasha DeHart, Vice President
As a mom of three young children who visit local parks most days, and who participate in local camps each summer, Lewisville parks are near and dear to the DeHart family’s heart. And as a local business owner of Old Town’s BENDT Distilling Co, Natasha brings a passion for the local community, a wealth of knowledge in marketing, and a love for growing a grassroots organization from the ground up. She looks forward to helping more local youth gain access to summer camps, and to help the City improve and expand on its current public park spaces.
Natasha resides in Old Town Lewisville with her husband and business partner, Ryan, their three children and Coco, the distillery dog.
Steve Southwell, Treasurer
As a firm believer that all people deserve to have spaces where they can go and just relax and exist without the expectation of buying something, and that children need wide open spaces to run and play, Steve believes that Lewisville’s parks, trails and public spaces are vital to quality-of-life in a city. He believes that all residents should have safe, convenient and equitable access to appealing parks and activities that enrich their lives.
Steve has served the community in various ways in his 24 years as a Lewisville resident. For a decade, he was the publisher of an online news site about the city, which later became a print newspaper, The Lewisville Texan Journal. In this, he was able to get to know and become involved with the city and its newsmakers and learn a great deal about many subjects that most people don't see. Although not commercially successful, the experience was invaluable and had a great impact on its readers. Steve has served on various boards and commissions for the city, as well as the Lewisville ISD. For the city, he’s served on the Arts Advisory Board, Charter Review Commission, Oil and Gas Advisory Board, and Blue Ribbon Capital Projects Advisory Committee. Additionally, he was a member of Lewisville ISD's Strategic Design Committee. He has been a business software engineer and consultant for over 26 years, serving medium and large business clients in many industries.
In his free time, Steve enjoys walking Lewisville's many trails, and immersing himself in nature. Many complicated business problems have been solved after walking through Central Park or shooting some hoops. He plays the cornet in Lewisville's Old Town Brass Band and has two grown sons with his wife of 29 years, Jennifer Southwell.
John Deihl
As a native Texan, John spent much of his youth outside until the streetlights turned on. Summers were mostly on Possom Kingdom Lake either fishing or as a YMCA camp counselor where he picked up a love for wildlife and the outdoors. Despite being somewhat of a technology nerd, John continues to enjoy fresh air over any indoor alternatives.
John has served the community as a Castle Hills Water Board Director, Lewisville 2025 Committee, Lewisville Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments in addition to participating in the Lewisville Citizens Academy and Citizen Police Academy. In prior years, John also served on the board of the North Texas Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
John lives in Lewisville with his wife, Diane, and their two children and favorite lab Luna. “Parks are important because they bring people outside, to connect with nature and each other. Parks are an important part of what build communities and a love of where you live.”
Rizwan Sheikh
Rizwan watched his kids grow up on soccer fields at Lake Park and other local public spaces. They have been raised in the community and have greatly benefited from the facilities. He believes that it's our opportunity and frankly, responsibility to continue to enhance these facilities for future generations.
He has spent most of his life working with large corporations and volunteering for international development agencies. From this, he brings decades of experience at the grass roots level to contribute to the community we call home.
He is committed to bringing his passion and experience to the board as an integral member of the Lewisville Park Alliance.
Kellie Stokes, Legal
Kellie Stokes is the owner and founder of Stokes Law Office, PLLC. In her practice she assists clients with estate planning, probate, small business development and real estate matters. In the real estate area of her practice she serves as the fee attorney and an escrow officer for Lewisville, Coppell, and Frisco TX Freedom Title offices.
Kellie is a strong believer in giving back to the community. She served as chairman of the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2013 and remains an active member of the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and she serves on the Greater Lewisville Area of Realtors board as a legal advisor. Additionally, Kellie served as chair over the City of Lewisville Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. In 2015 Kellie began a 3 year board appointment to the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County, Inc. Board of Directors and became Chair in 2020.
In her free time Kellie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, real estate remodeling and sports.