Class of 2022 Graduation / DLA Luncheon

Leadership Southwest Alumni will celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2022 and induction of the DLA Honoree, Amanda Skinner, Class of 2001, Non Profit Consultant - Exec Director, Best Southwest Partnership & Leadership Southwest



Amanda Skinner, president and executive director of the Best Southwest Partnership and Leadership Southwest, has been selected as the recipient of The 2022 Honorable Curtistene S. McCowan Distinguished Leadership Award for her leadership, vision, courage and service.

The award is given annually to a leader who plays an active role in community and civic activities that unify and inspire others to better Southwest Dallas County. Skinner embodies these attributes and is known for directing others in promoting and developing a sustainable community that reflects a sense of fairness and inclusion.

Skinner has been at the forefront of projects that uplift and expand opportunities for residents of Dallas County’s southwest sector. Skinner is noted for her role as a liaison linking resources and opportunities to non-profits.

A native of Kansas, Skinner is President / Executive Director of the Best Southwest Partnership. She is also the Executive Director of Leadership Southwest. She has also served as interim director of the Lancaster and DeSoto chambers of commerce. She also served as Executive Director/CEO of the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce from Jan 2009 to June 2016.

“It is indeed a great honor to be recognized for work I do every day – growing people and organizations,” said Skinner. “I share this honor with the people of southwest Dallas County and re-dedicate myself to our shared goals of fairness, integrity, professionalism and teamwork. My goal is consistent: to be a resource and an asset to organizations that are committed to the goal of improving the lives of others.”

She holds a certificate in business management from Dallas College Brookhaven Campus. She also received educational recognition from the University of Wisconsin for completing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation management course.

The Curtistene S. McCowan Distinguished Leadership Award, given annually by the Board of Directors, honors individuals for their unwavering dedication to service. The official name change of the award, announced 2020, aligns with the vision of its namesake and her commitment to service.

McCowan, who died two years ago, is known for her history-making achievements and compassion for service. For more than three decades, she worked for the Federal Trade Commission, retiring as a senior investigator. A tireless educator, she was the first African American elected to public office in DeSoto when voters placed her on the school board. She also served as DeSoto’s mayor.

Additionally, McGowan served on the North Central Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors. She was honored as 2007 Outstanding Texan Award and was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.