Karen Hughes White, a veteran nonprofit executive, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Dallas-based Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF), one the largest women’s funds in the world in terms of assets and impact.

According to the foundation, White is a dynamic, mission-driven, and results-oriented leader who has led nonprofit organizations focused on the needs of women, girls, and children for the past 20 years.

“After an extensive search, Texas Women’s Foundation is excited to appoint Karen CEO,” Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, said in a statement. “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.” 

Parsons added: “She is dedicated to lifting the voices of women and has a track record of working well with staff, boards, volunteers and donors.”

White begins her position on April 29 and will give short remarks at Texas Women’s Foundation’s Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration event April 30 at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

Experience supporting women and children

A University of Georgia graduate and member of Tri Delta sorority, White previously served as Tri Delta’s chief executive officer from 2014 to 2024. During her tenure, 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 focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging.

Under White’s leadership, Tri Delta will celebrate 25 years of partnership with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital this year and $100 million raised in support of “Finding Cures and Saving Children” as she helped create a culture of philanthropy. White also helped grow Tri Delta’s Foundation, more than doubling its assets under management in support of scholarships and needs-based assistance for members, TXWF noted.

Before Tri Delta, 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 National Football League and the Frisco-based PGA.

White began her nonprofit career in cause-related marketing with Dallas-based Susan G. Komen, where she ultimately served as the managing director of sports and sponsorships, responsible for Komen’s Race for the Cure and 3-Day for the Cure signature events.

Creating ‘an equitable society’

“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,” White said in a statement. “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.”

White added: “By focusing on advocacy, research and grant-making, we will create an equitable society in which Texas women and girls can fully participate.”

Following Michelynn “Miki” Woodard’s resignation as president and CEO of the Texas Women’s Foundation in March 2023, Dena Jackson helmed the organization. Jackson served as interim president and CEO until the end of January 2024, when she was set to leave.

To ensure a smooth transition, Hattie Hill stepped in as the Executive-In-Residence. Hill, with her extensive experience as a CEO of non-profits and as a board member, has helped support the Texas Women’s Foundation staff and prepared the board and organization for the new CEO, according to TXWF. Hill is expected to assist with the onboarding process and then continue her role as a board and executive committee member.

Leadership transition and support

After Michelynn “Miki” Woodard resigned from her position as president and CEO of the Texas Women’s Foundation in March 2023, the organization was helmed by Dena Jackson, who served as the interim president and CEO until the end of January 2024 when Jackson was set to leave the organization.

To ensure a smooth transition, Hattie Hill stepped in as the Executive-In-Residence. Hill, with her extensive experience as a CEO of non-profits and as a board member, has helped support the Texas Women’s Foundation staff and prepared the board and organization for the new CEO, TXWF said. Hill is expected to assist with the onboarding process and then continue her role as a board and executive committee member.

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