KEVIN KELLEY PRESENTS ROLAND PARRISH
The Annual Founders Awards brought together North Texas civic and corporate leadership for a powerful evening celebrating service, impact, and enduring legacy. The night’s highest honor – the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award – was presented to Roland Parrish for decades of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and transformative community leadership.
Hosting the evening was Kevin Kelley, lawyer, entrepreneur, the creator of Kitchen and Koctails – who spoke not only as master of ceremonies but as a mentee. His tribute reflected deep admiration, sharing how Parrish’s mentorship helped shaped his professional journey and underscored a recurring theme of the night: true legacy is measured by the leaders you help build.
Senior Pastor Bryan Carter of Concord Church was present to show support to the Lifetime Achievement recipient and his friend for over two decades.
The Parrish Charitable Foundation presented the Community Council of Dallas with a donation of 25,000 as a part of the celebration.
In the days leading up to the event, Parrish also appeared on WFAA, the Dallas-Fort Worth ABC affiliate, where he discussed the significance of the award and the mission of the Community Council of Greater Dallas. The segment highlighted his longstanding commitment to economic empowerment and community advancement across North Texas, bringing broader visibility to both the honor and the organization’s work.
As Parrish took the stage November 4th at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, the applause reflected more than achievement – it reflected influence. From boardrooms to community initiatives, and from mentorship circles to philanthropic efforts, his impact continues to resonate throughout Dallas and beyond. A man whose leadership, generosity, and integrity have served as both an example and a blueprint.
The 2025 Founders Awards did more than honor a career. It celebrated a legacy still in motion.
