Meet the Board
Connecting Southwest roots with voices that carry forward the folk tradition
Dalis Allen:
Executive Director
Dalis Allen, Founder of the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance and coordinator of its first 2000 conference, now serves as Executive Director and Conference Coordinator. She previously produced the Kerrville Folk Festival, bringing deep experience to her leadership in the folk music community.
Andrew Delaney:
President
Andrew Delaney is an Arlington, TX singer-songwriter, storyteller, and producer whose award-winning work has been performed nationwide. He spent a decade touring the U.S., taught songwriting and music industry courses at UT Arlington for five years, and currently serves as board president of the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance.
Natalie Price:
Vice President
Texas-born “Amerikinda” artist Natalie Price has been involved with SWRFA since 2019, joined the board in 2021, and now serves as Vice President. A touring songwriter and collaborator based in Nashville, she’s releasing new music while building community wherever she goes—always in search of great coffee, tequila sodas, and queso.
Rachel Laven:
Secretary
Rachel has been a SWRFA member since 19 and a touring Texas songwriter for over two decades. Now based in Nashville, she’s released two albums, toured internationally, and brings 20 years of industry experience and six years of event management to strengthening SWRFA’s regional connections while preserving its famously welcoming spirit.
Jackson Emmer: Treasurer
Jackson Emmer is an award-winning folksinger from Santa Cruz, CA. A touring musician since 2009, Emmer has performed at top venues and taught for Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Swallow Hill Music, and major music camps. His songs have been covered by numerous recording artists.
John Whipple
Board Member
John Whipple is a San Antonio native with 50 years in the Texas music business as a music store, recording studio and record label owner. A participant in SWRFA for 15 years he is a folk singer, small festival organizer and curator of opportunity for others living the songwriter's life.
Martin Gilmore: Board Member
Martin Gilmore, from Denver, CO, is a musician, songwriter, producer, and educator with a western and bluegrass influence. He teaches at Swallow Hill Music, UNC, and University of Denver, tours nationally and internationally, and has won Telluride Troubadour, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, and Kerrville New Folk competitions.
Stephanie Sammons
Board Member
With her “emotive voice and plainspoken storytelling” (Nashville
Scene), Sammons was named winner of both the Kerrville Folk Festival’s
New Folk Competition (2026), and the Wildflower Al Johnson Performing
Songwriter Contest, while also clinching the People’s Choice Award
(2026). She has also been a finalist in Telluride Bluegrass Festival’s
Telluride Troubadour Competition (2025, 2026), Songwriter Serenade
(2026), and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase (2026).