DCRP Officers
Melinda Preston
County Chair
Ronnie Jones
VICE CHAIR
Ronnie Jones is the 1st Vice Chairman of the Denton County Republican Party, where he serves as the Victory Election Leader. In this role, he focuses on key election strategies and helps drive the party’s efforts to win elections throughout Denton County. His responsibilities include mobilizing voters, ensuring strong turnout, and working closely with other Republican Party leaders to support conservative values in local, state, and national elections
Alan Wheeler
SECRETARY
Alan Wheeler is the current Secretary of the Denton County Republican Party. In his role, she manages administrative responsibilities, including maintaining records of meetings and ensuring effective communication within the party leadership. He is actively involved in Denton County Republican activities and works alongside other officers to support conservative initiatives and help the party maintain strong organizational oversight. Alan is also listed as a key point of contact for precinct-level information within the Denton County GOP structure.
Fred Tate
Treasurer
Fred Tate is the founder of CFO Shield, a firm dedicated to serving business owners and fostering economic growth while supporting conservative causes through its service line, Red Elephant Reports. After spending 18 years in corporate America, including his role as Vice President of Finance & Operations at Willis Global Energy, Fred saw a significant opportunity to create tailored solutions for clients, aligning his professional expertise with his political values.
Fred’s political journey began in his teenage years when a revelation about personal responsibility lead to a lifetime commitment to conservative activism. As a college intern for Royal Masset, he learned how the calculations worked behind the ORVS program, which was instrumental in transforming Texas into a red state. He further solidified his political leadership by helping George W. Bush secure victory in McLennan County in 1994. His early leadership in the GOP includes serving as the precinct chair in Precinct 4, McLennan County, TX where he became the first Republican election judge in the precinct’s history. His dedication to youth engagement in politics led him to serve as State Chairman Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT). The organization who has consistently prepared conservative ratings of the Texas Legislature since the organization’s inception.
In 2010, Fred was appointed to the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) Standing Committee Candidate Resource Committee (CRC), which raises crucial funds for down-ballot GOP candidates. In 2021, he was appointed Treasurer of the RPT by current Chairman Matt Rinaldi, further solidifying his influence within Texas politics. Fred’s’ role helped the party realize significant financial growth that set the foundation of the success of the 2024 election in Texas.
Fred has been honored with three appointments by Governor Greg Abbott. In 2017, he was named a member of the Judicial Compensation Commission (JCC), responsible for recommending salaries for Texas justices and judges. After two years, he was appointed as a Commissioner for the State Commission for Judicial Conduct (SCJC) in 2019, overseeing allegations of judicial misconduct. In 2023, he received a third appointment as a Board Member of the Trinity River Authority (TRA), underscoring his trusted role in Texas governance.
Married for 20 years, Fred values family as a cornerstone of his life. He and his family are deeply involved in their community, reflecting his commitment to fostering strong, supportive environments for all Texans. Fred combines his personal and professional passions, focusing on empowering growth-oriented companies and advocating for policies that promote opportunity and prosperity for families and businesses alike.
With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University, double majoring in Finance and Economics, Fred merges his business acumen with a passion for public service.
Brent Hill
Sergeant-at-Arms
Brent Hill is currently serving as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Denton County Republican Party. In this role, he is responsible for maintaining order during party meetings and events, ensuring that the party’s rules and procedures are followed, and assisting in any situations that require enforcement of discipline within the organization. The position of Sergeant-at-Arms is important for facilitating smooth operations during official party activities and gatherings.
He works alongside other party officers, such as the county chair, treasurer, and secretary, to support the Denton County GOP’s initiatives.
Robert Ramirez
Parliamentarian
Robert Ramirez is the Parliamentarian for the Denton County Republican Party. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring that meetings and proceedings within the party follow parliamentary procedure, maintaining order, and advising on rules of conduct. His involvement with the Denton County GOP contributes to the smooth operation of meetings and helps uphold the party’s bylaws and standing rules. He plays a crucial role in ensuring that all party business is conducted in accordance with formal guidelines.
Additionally, Ramirez serves as a judge for Denton County Court at Law No. 2, where he has held office since 2010, further showcasing his extensive legal experience and commitment to the Denton County community.
Rev. Rafael Cruz
Chaplain
Rafael Cruz is a powerful example of the American Dream. Born in Cuba, Rafael lived and suffered under a cruel, oppressive dictator. He began fighting Batista’s regime as a teenager and was imprisoned and tortured simply because he wanted to be free.
Rafael arrived in Texas in 1957 on a student visa. He got a job as a dishwasher, making 50 cents an hour, and worked his way through the University of Texas, while learning English. He later built a small business in further pursuit of the American Dream. In early 1980, Rafael Cruz joined the State Board of the Religious Roundtable, a Judeo-Christian organization that mobilized millions of people of faith during the Presidential Campaign of Ronald Reagan.
He is an ordained minister and the Director of Grace for America, sharing the Word of God in churches and Pastors Conferences throughout the United States. He is the author of A Time for Action, Empowering the Faithful to Reclaim America. His son, Ted Cruz, is a constitutional conservative U.S. Senator from Texas and former a candidate for United States President. When Ted was a child growing up in Houston, Rafael would tell him, “When we faced oppression in Cuba, I had a place to flee to. If we lose our freedom here, where do we go?”
That’s why Rev. Cruz is passionate about returning America to the biblical and historical foundations that made this country exceptional.
Committee Chair Appointments
Fundraising Committee – Nancy Dillard FinancialOversight Committee – Dan Elmer
Public Relations Committee – Jennifer Moulton
Data Analytics Committee – Susan Borella
Election Integrity – Kurt Hyde
Meetings/Special Events Committee – Lynn Yeargain
Volunteer Committee – Julie Greenawalt
CEC appointed Committee Chairs
Precinct Chair Recruitment and Training – Connie Hudson
Resolutions and Rules – Ronnie Jones
Voter Outreach – Vacant
Public Policy Review – Gloria McDonald
Candidate Training – Rena Hardeman
Area Leader Information coming soon.
