Katherine Osborne Valdez

Board President, The Powell Foundation

Since 1999, Katherine Osborne Valdez has played an active role in The Powell Foundation governance—either as a Board Director or an Advisory Board Member. A third generation member of the Powell Family, Katherine is the Board President and the first member of her generation to fill this role.

The Foundation’s current emphasis is in the field of public education, supporting programs (early childhood through high school) that strengthen the public education system and that ensure children are career-ready or academically prepared to graduate college. Since 1967, the Foundation has been supporting efforts in Harris, Travis and Walker Counties (Texas) in the areas of public education, health, conservation and the arts.

Katherine has 15 years of experience in international development having served in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador with the Peace Corps and Peru, Indonesia and Mexico with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Ms. Osborne Valdez worked for several years domestically as a water resources engineer.

Katherine is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds masters degrees in both Engineering and Public Administration from the University of Texas. After three decades away, Katherine has recently settled in her hometown of Houston.

Contributions

Board Chair & Emerging Leaders Peer Networks Joint Meeting: Next generation engagement and generational transitions on foundation boards

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Rebecca Randall, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

A discussion on next-generation engagement and generational transition on foundation boards. More information about the topic for this event is forthcoming. In the meantime, please save the date on your calendar and we will let you know when registration is open. The final 30 minutes will be open for peer space for connection, regardless of the topic. If you are… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Philanthropy in Complex, Multi-Generational Families

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez, Ashley Blanchard

In family philanthropy, there can be an inherent tension between balancing individual philanthropic priorities with a collective family philanthropic endeavor. Families’ abilities to work together effectively in their philanthropy is dependent not only on the way they design their collective giving, but also in how they structure the philanthropic activities outside of it. The responsibility of the board chair is… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Leading in Complex Systems

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Dr. Jason Franklin, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

Philanthropy often seeks to change systems that are complex and intersectional. While no one funder can address all of pieces of the system, identifying the right approach for any organization can be a complex process in and of itself. Board chairs are responsible for leading their organizations and families through these processes, balancing internal and external dynamics. Jason Franklin will… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Connect with Your Peers

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

The role of the board chair as a philanthropic leader is ever-evolving, yet leadership is a resource that goes through cycles, or seasons. As leaders, we must learn to understand our own seasons, those of our organizations, and those of our partners. In this peer-led session, Network Co-Chairs Liz Bonner and Katherine Osborne Valdez will facilitate small group conversations continuing… Read More

2023 Family Philanthropy Leadership Retreat

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Susan Stamerjohn, Michelle Tremillo, Alejandro Foung, Dr. Jason Franklin, Jonathan Brack, Sandra Fluke, Tonya Allen, Diego Zegarra, Sue Banerjee, Catherine Maddox Walton

Thank you so much for your interest in the Leadership Retreat. The event is sold out, and we are no longer accepting names for the waitlist, due to the unlikelihood of accommodating everyone on it already. We are delighted by the response, and we regret that we have to turn anyone away. Please keep an eye on our Programs and… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Good Governance Discussion

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

People discussing family philanthropy board governance

Come together with your peers for a dialogue on effective governance. We will build on NCFP’s February webinar to discuss the nuts and bolts of board governance, challenges with leading meetings, how to activate best practices, and ways to engage your own family. Please watch the February webinar recording or read the transcript in advance of the call. The final… Read More

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