Tabitha Rice Named Vice President of Programs for Houston Endowment
New Executive Leader Joins the Foundation July 22
Tabitha Rice, a visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience serving the Houston community, will join Houston Endowment on July 22 as Vice President of Programs, driving the foundation’s mission to improve the lives of everyone in Greater Houston through investments in PreK-12 education, civic engagement, and arts and parks. She will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and oversee grantmaking activities.
In her most recent role as Executive Vice President at Texas Children’s Hospital, Tabitha led numerous projects to transform and develop clinical, research, and support departments. She has a proven track record of more than 20 years of leadership in health care, throughout which she has been dedicated to best meeting the needs of the community.
“Tabitha is known for her ability to lead and drive impact at an organization,” said Ann B. Stern, president and CEO of Houston Endowment. “But more importantly, she holds a unique ability to analyze and solve complex issues through collaboration, partnership, and passion for our community, which is central to our approach at Houston Endowment.”
Tabitha held a number of positions with Texas Children’s Hospital and earned successive levels of responsibility over the course of her tenure. Her career is hallmarked by substantial achievements: She spearheaded major capital projects such as the design, construction, and occupancy of the $120 million Feigin Tower research building expansion and the $215 million Duncan Neurological Research Institute, as well as implemented an innovative pediatric specialty pharmacy. She has also personally embraced the opportunity to serve the community and volunteers with many nonprofit and educational organizations.
“I’m grateful to the tremendous foresight of Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones in establishing Houston Endowment, which is uniquely positioned to make life-changing and community altering impacts on a continual basis,” said Rice. “Their vision of helping Houstonians aligns with my own lifelong commitment to improving our community, and I look forward to helping lead the Foundation toward a strong and successful future.”
Tabitha holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University of Pennsylvania, a certificate in Public Health Studies from Harvard University, and an MBA from Rice University. She is a proud graduate of Humble Independent School District as well.