HOUSTON-TX: Mayor John Whitmire has nominated, and the Houston City Council has officially appointed, five new directors to the Board of the Houston Public Library Foundation (HPLF). The appointments were confirmed during the regular City Council meeting on October 22.
The newly appointed board members are:
- Leslie Bacon, Esq., Senior Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
- Mary Catherine Blanton Jones, Esq., Senior Counsel, Centaurus Capital
- Mitra Murthy, Banker, JP Morgan Private Bank
- Danny Ward, Co-founder and President, Ward & Ames
- Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr., Senior Pastor, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Acres Homes
“We are excited to welcome Leslie, Mary Catherine, Mitra, Danny, and Pastor Williams to the HPLF Board,” said Nicolas A. Jimenez, Board Chair. “Their respective expertise and the energy they bring will help the Foundation continue to support the Houston Public Library as it serves every Houstonian.”
Sandy Gaw, Director of the Houston Public Library, emphasized the importance of the Foundation’s role in supporting the Library’s mission. “The Houston Public Library Foundation is vital to the work of the Library,” said Gaw. “The Foundation provides millions of dollars each year to allow us to offer thousands of free programs, events, and resources for people of all ages and in all communities. We welcome the partnership and leadership of these new board directors.”
In addition to the new appointments, several current members were reappointed to the Board, including: Nicolas A. Jimenez, Jessica Kemp St. Rose, Michele Leal, Dimitri Millas, Esq., Heaven C. Chee, Esq., Alisha Adatia, Teran Smith, and Jason Smith.
Since its establishment in 1904, the Houston Public Library Board has served as a key steward of the library’s endowments and as a strategic advisor guiding its growth. The Board continues to champion the Library’s mission—serving more than 2.3 million patrons last year alone.
The newly appointed directors will begin their two-year terms immediately.
About the Houston Public Library Foundation
The Houston Public Library Foundation champions the Houston Public Library by securing vital funding and community support to expand its impact. The Foundation invests in innovative programs, literacy initiatives, and access to technology—ensuring all Houstonians benefit from the library’s free educational resources. Learn more at www.houstonlibraryfoundation.org.
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library serves one of the nation’s largest and most diverse populations, with 44 public service locations, including six regional libraries and the flagship Central Library. The system provides equitable access to technology, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities for the city’s 2.3 million residents.
