An Austin Community Celebration
The Trail of Lights Foundation is an independent nonprofit corporation dedicated to the production of the Austin Trail of Lights as an authentically Austin community celebration. The organization raises the funds from donations by individuals and the business community to produce and ensure the long-term sustainability of Austin’s largest community celebration.
It is curated in close conjunction with its long-time partner, Forefront, who provides turn-key production and programming, marketing and promotional services, along with management of public/private corporate partnerships. The Austin Trail of Lights has remained in the top three largest Austin events since the Trail of Lights Foundation adopted the event in 2012.
Meet Our board of directors
Nicholas C. Miller
President
Nicholas C. Miller is a shareholder at Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody. Nicholas’ practice focuses on both commercial and residential transactional real estate matters and the representation of land and mineral owners in oil and gas transactions. Nicholas graduated with a degree in economics from Washington and Lee University and received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. In addition to his involvement with the...
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Rachel Green
Immediate Past President
As CEO of A Brand Called U and Founder of Leader Ship Box, Rachel has cultivated her passion for public relations and brand management into multifaceted award winning businesses that operate successfully in competitive arenas such as sports, lifestyle, tech, non-profit, and subscription box services. Rachel's clients have been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Essence, Black Enterprise, CNN, Crain's Business, Inc. Magazine, Mix Mag, and...
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Leah Davies
Leah Davies, LMSW serves on the staff of UT Austin, Center for Disability Studies. In this role, Ms. Davies works to build collaboration across the state, facilitate program development, provide education, and engage stakeholders. Davies has 10 years of experience working in the non-profit sector in Austin and is committed personally and professionally to social justice. Davies graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts...
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JAMES RUSSELL
Executive Director
James Russell is the Executive Director of the Trail of Lights Foundation. He has oversight of the Trail of Lights event focusing primarily on the community outreach and government relations. As an active member in the Austin community, James also serves as the Vice President of the Police Activities League of Austin and as the Chair of the Parkland Events Taskforce appointed by the Austin City Council.
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A.J. Bingham
A.J. Bingham is Founder and CEO of The Bingham Group, an Austin-based full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on legislative and regulatory matters throughout Texas. Active in the community, he also serves on the boards of the Young Men's Business League of Austin and Long Center for the Performing Arts.
A.J. attended Austin ISD schools and graduated from the LBJ Math and Science Academy (now the Liberal Arts and...
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Mark Williams
Mark Williams, currently serves on the Austin Community College board of trustees, Place 1. Former president of the Austin Independent School District board of trustees, Williams is a graduate of the University of Texas, and worked in finance, audit and consulting capacities at Dell Inc. and Arthur Andersen. He served on the Austin ISD board from 2004-2012, and acted as president of the board from 2006-2012. Mark is active in the Austin...
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Enrique Duran II
Enrique Duran II is an Austin based accountant whose focus has been in commercial and residential real estate with properties across the country. Enrique graduated from the LBJ Science Academy (currently known as LASA) and proceeded to earn a degree in Accounting from Texas State University in San Marcos. Having been raised in Austin, the Trail of Lights is something that holds a special place in Enrique's heart and he wanted to do his part...
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