2026 – 2027 DGS Leadership Team

Beri brings a lifelong passion for genealogy, education, and community leadership to her role as President of the Dallas Genealogical Society, where she is currently serving and will continue for the 2026–2027 term. A Las Vegas native with more than 25 years of ties to Dallas, she has an extensive background in nonprofit management, adult education, and historical research, and currently serves as Executive Director of a local history organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Dallas heritage. Beri’s interest in genealogy began in childhood with a simple family tree project that evolved into a lifelong pursuit of uncovering and preserving family stories, including meaningful discoveries about her own ancestry. She is committed to ongoing learning and is the process of completing advanced coursework in genealogical research and is particularly interested in the evolving role of technology and DNA analysis in family history. Through her leadership, she emphasizes education, collaboration, and community engagement, encouraging members to grow as researchers while honoring the stories of those who came before.

Chris is a seasoned professional genealogist and the founder of C.D. Bryant Genealogy, LLC, bringing more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of roles including researcher, writer, editor, historian, lecturer, and family heirloom preservationist. He specializes in African American, Native American, and Hispanic genealogy, and is also skilled in DNA analysis to help uncover complex family histories. An active member of the Dallas Genealogical Society, Christopher currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors. He is a frequent presenter at genealogy events, where he shares practical strategies for overcoming research challenges and emphasizes the importance of thorough and accurate documentation.

Terry brings a lifetime of leadership, service, and historical inquiry to his role as Secretary of the Dallas Genealogical Society Board of Directors, a position he previously held from 2003 to 2005 and will resume for the 2026 – 2027 term. A recently retired pastor emeritus and founder of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, Turner devoted more than 40 years to ministry, guiding congregations, planting churches, and serving in numerous leadership roles within regional and national faith organizations. In recent years, he has expanded his focus to genealogy, engaging in family history research for over a decade – including professional work tracing his lineage back to the 18th century – and sharing his passion through writing, speaking, and educational outreach such as his “Embracing Our Ancestors” platform. His interests center on preserving family histories, particularly within African American communities, and helping others discover their heritage. Turner’s depth of leadership experience, commitment to service, and growing expertise in genealogical research make him a valuable asset to the Society.