DALLAS, April 18, 2024 – Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF), one of the largest women’s funds in the world, has announced the appointment of Karen Hughes White as its new president and CEO. A dynamic, mission-driven and results-oriented leader, White has led nonprofit organizations focused on the needs of women, girls and children for the past 20 years.
Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, said, “After an extensive search, Texas Women’s Foundation is excited to appoint Karen CEO. As we approach our 40th anniversary, she is the perfect combination of a strategic thinker, business-minded leader and team builder necessary to carry out our strategies and programs to move the needle on women’s equity in Texas. She is dedicated to lifting the voices of women and has a track record of working well with staff, boards, volunteers and donors.”
A University of Georgia graduate and member of Tri Delta sorority, White previously served as Tri Delta’s chief executive officer. During her tenure from 2014 to 2024, she increased engagement among the organization’s 250,000 collegiate and alumnae members worldwide with a focus on personal and professional development, and through initiatives centering diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging. In 2024, Tri Delta will celebrate 25 years of partnership with St. Jude and $100 million raised in support of “Finding Cures and Saving Children” as White helped create a culture of philanthropy. Additionally, she helped grow Tri Delta’s Foundation, more than doubling its assets under management in support of scholarships and needs-based assistance for members.
Prior to that, White served as senior vice president of strategic partnerships for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where she doubled the impact of the St. Jude Thanks & Giving Campaign® and expanded the organization’s partnerships with premier sports leagues including the NFL and PGA. She began her nonprofit career in cause-related marketing with Susan G. Komen, where she ultimately served as the managing director of sports and sponsorships with responsibility for Komen’s Race for the Cure® and 3-Day for the Cure® signature events.
White said, “With support from donors and partners, Texas Women’s Foundation has made tremendous progress in its first 40 years, driving nearly $80 million in impact for Texas women and girls. I’m honored to work alongside the organization’s dedicated volunteers and staff to build on that progress as we work to address the unprecedented challenges women face in our state. By focusing on advocacy, research and grant-making, we will create an equitable society in which Texas women and girls can fully participate.”
White begins her position on April 29 and will give short re- marks at Texas Women’s Foundation’s Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration event taking place at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Tickets and sponsorships are still available at https://txwfleadership.org/.
