2008 - World Affairs Council of Greater Houston

World Affairs Council of Houston
2008 Annual Report
Our mission is to promote America’s understanding
of the world—the people, politics, economies, and
cultures—and to enable our citizens to participate
more effectively in the global community.
RUSSIA
ICELAND
FINLAND
RUSSIA
NORWAY
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ESTONIA
LATVIA
DENMARK
LITHUANIA
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U. K.
IRELAND
GERMANY
BELGIUM
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UKRAINE
SLOVAKIA
SWITZ.
FRANCE
BYELARUS
POLAND
CZECH
AUSTRIA HUNGARY
SLOVENIA
ITALY
CROATIA
BOSNIA
RUSSIA
SERBIA
BULGARIA
MONTENEGRO
MACEDONIA
PORTUGAL
KAZAKHSTAN
MOLDOVA
ROMANIA
ARMENIA
TUNISIA
TURKEY
CYPRUS
LEBANON
MOROCCO
Canary Islands
JORDAN
LIBYA
KYRGYZSTAN
AZERBAIJAN
TURKMENISTAN
SOUTH KOREA
IRAQ
IRAN
KUWAIT
JAPAN
CHINA
AFGHANISTAN
NEPAL
PAKISTAN
EGYPT
WESTERNSAHARA
NORTH KOREA
TAJIKISTAN
SYRIA
ISRAEL
ALGERIA
UZBEKISTAN
GEORGIA
GREECE
ALBANIA
SPAIN
MONGOLIA
BHUTAN
QATAR
U. A. E.
TAIWAN
SAUDI ARABIA
BANGLADESH
NIGER
MALI
SENEGAL
GUINEA BISSAU
GUINEA
SIERRA LEONE
LIBERIA
BURKINA
BENIN
GHANA
IVOR COAST TOGO
VIETNAM
KAMPUCHEA
DJIBOUTI
SOMALIA
CENTRAL AFRICANREPUBLIC
CAMEROON
GABON
LAOS
THAILAND
INDIA
SUDAN
NIGERIA
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
SAO TOME & PRINCIPE
YEMEN
ERITREA
CHAD
GAMBIA
MYANMAR
OMAN
MAURITANIA
ETHIOPIA
KENYA
ZAIRE
BRUNEI
MALAYSIA
UGANDA
CONGO
PHILIPPINES
SRI LANKA
SINGAPORE
RWANDA
BURUNDI
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TANZANIA
INDONESIA
PAPUANEW GUINEA
A message from Shara Fryer
Our mission and our members
From the presidential election and financial crisis to the problems of security and development,
last year’s complex events have reminded us that our work is not only relevant, it is critical.
While it is true that all politics is local, it is equally true today that all politics is international,
too. Deepening public understanding of global affairs is vital to us as individuals, workers,
Houstonians, and Americans. I am proud of the Council’s accomplishments in Houston. Through over 120 programs in 2008,
we have contributed to the public conversation on issues of national and international topic.
Approximately 2,000 Houstonians attend our events each month, learning about global issues,
America’s role in the world, and the challenges to our security and prosperity. We broaden
our effect by helping teachers incorporate these topics into their curricula and encouraging
international awareness in our students. Additionally, we initiate global participation in Council
events with an active website that draws some 30,000 page views each month.
Through the leadership, support, and dedication of our directors, the Council has balanced its
budget every year, even as it has grown 50% in the last three years. The Council is financially
sound because of your support. Thanks to the generous support of thousands of individual
members, corporations, and foundations, we enjoy a diversified funding base and expect to
weather the next years successfully. The Council is in sound financial health, thanks to you.
Prudent management will keep the organization on track.
To all of the 7,000 members who have made the Council what it is today, we are deeply grateful
for your confidence and support. Your encouragement and suggestions keep us going and
improving. In further tribute, I want you to know that international visitors to Houston and
our many speakers repeatedly express their appreciation for the thoughtful questions and deep
knowledge that is apparent in Council members. Our mission is realized through this dialog
among members, speakers, students and the public, enhancing our own lives and the quality and
vitality of Houston itself.
3
Programs
Educate and engage our members
Many friendships and interesting moments have come through my membership
in the World Affairs Council. It’s where the thinking public gathers—I
recommend it to all.
—Cynthia Everage
Earth Foundation
Council programs go beyond the headlines, with rich and varied
opportunities to learn about international issues. In 2008, we continued
the discussion of Africa and the emerging story of success that is too
often overlooked. Speakers such as Obiageli Ezekwesili, The World
Bank, and Ambassador Robert Krueger presented a powerful vision of
Africa’s recent past, transformative present, and potentially rich future.
Ambassador Robert Houdek discussed business development in Africa
and China’s strategy for success in the continent.
We considered American leadership and the challenges ahead with
James Rubin, David Boren, Senator Robert Dole, Robert Zelikow,
and Robert Mosbacher, Jr. The lecture by Nobel Prize winner
Muhammad Yunus moved many in the audience to tears. We learned
about the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative from Peter Eigen.
The luncheon with Mark Califano on the Oil-for-Food Scandal gave us
better understanding of the cost of corruption and what is possible when
there is a commitment to reform.
Access to affordable energy is always on our minds and we were pleased
to hear from Matt Simmons, Joseph Stanislaw, Robert Bryce, David
Goldwyn, and others at programs for general members, students and
teachers. As the global economy worsened, we brought leading financial
experts to address audiences including Michael McMillen, on Islamic
finance, and Rich Karlgaard, editor of Forbes Magazine. Simeon
Djankov, from The World Bank, opened a discussion of the factors that
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FINLAND
NORWAY
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U. K.
IRELAND
GERMANY
make countries successful and shared his Doing Business Around the
World report with members.
BELGIUM
LUX.
We began a new series on international journalism in the fall of 2008,
with Simon Marks, on journalism in Brazil, Steve LeVine, reporting on
Russia, and Jon Sawyer, from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
New York Times reporter Andrea Elliott gave a lecture on Islam in
America. Photojournalist Steve McCurry, known for his haunting
picture of the Afghan girl, closed the season with an illustrated lecture
at the Houston Center for Photography. This important series will be
continued through the first half of 2009.
We hosted programs with Ambassadors Michael Wilson, Canada;
Michael Collins, Ireland; Adreas Kakouris, Cyprus; and, Klaus
Scharioth, Germany.
Marwan Muasher, former Foreign Minister of Jordan and Ahmad
El-Assaad, from Lebanon, brought important perspectives from the
Middle East. Council programs also addressed members concerns
about elections in Russia, Iran’s nuclear development, human rights,
and the growing instability in Pakistan. We thank Aaron David Miller,
Robin Wright, Karim Sadjadpour, Josh Landis, Joseph Nye, Bruce
Reidel, Peter Mansoor, Fareed Zakaria, Larry Diamond and the many
other thoughtful leaders that came before Council audiences this year.
With perspectives on international law, journalism, and security, they
provoked thought, entertained, and always edified.
During 2008, we reached out beyond the traditional foreign policy
community by hosting select programs at new locations. Under the
banner, Global Outlook, the GO programs have helped increase
awareness in Council activities by members of Houston diverse
international communities. In the coming year, we will expand this
effort to better serve the growing population centers to the north
and south of Houston.
UKRAINE
SLOVAKIA
SWITZ.
FRANCE
BYELARUS
POLAND
CZECH
AUSTRIA HUNGARY
SLOVENIA
ITALY
CROATIA
BOSNIA
KAZAKHST
MOLDOVA
RUSSIA
ROMANIA
SERBIA
BULGARIA
MONTENEGRO
MACEDONIA
PORTUGAL
ARMENIA
GREECE
ALBANIA
SPAIN
TURKEY
TUNISIA
CYPRUS
LEBANON
MOROCCO
Canary Islands
JORDAN
LIBYA
AZERBAIJAN
TURKMENISTAN
IRAQ
IRAN
KUWAIT
QATAR
U. A. E.
SAUDI ARABIA
OMAN
MAURITANIA
NIGER
MALI
SENEGAL
GUINEA BISSAU
GUINEA
SIERRA LEONE
LIBERIA
BURKINA
BENIN
GHANA
IVOR COAST TOGO
SUDAN
DJIBOUTI
NIGERIA
SOMALIA
CENTRAL AFRICANREPUBLIC
CAMEROON
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
SAO TOME & PRINCIPE
YEMEN
ERITREA
CHAD
GAMBIA
ETHIOPIA
UGANDA
CONGO
KENYA
ZAIRE
GABON
RWANDA
BURUNDI
TANZANIA
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
MALAWI
NAMIBIA
BOTSWANA
ZIMBABWE
MOZAMBIQUE
MADAGASCAR
SWAZILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
AFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
EGYPT
WESTERNSAHARA
TAJ
SYRIA
ISRAEL
ALGERIA
UZBEKISTAN
GEORGIA
LESOTHO
The World Affairs Council of Houston is truly democratic in its approach.
It does not view foreign affairs as something only an elite can understand.
Rather, the Council strongly believes that citizens of all ages and experience
can inform themselves about global issues, readily and enjoyably, through its
many programs, speakers, and trips.
—Chase Untermeyer
Former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar
5
The Global Business Forum
Gives members access and information
The Global Business Forum gives you direct access to decision makers
in off-the-record sessions during the year. The Council facilitated
receptions and private networking opportunities during 2008 for our
corporate members with such notables as Peter Eigen, Chair of the
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and Simeon Djankov,
author of the The World Bank’s annual Doing Business Around the World
report. The briefing by Major Kathleen Meilahn, United States Central
Command, gave us all new insight on the surge in Iraq and the use of
Islamic approaches to conflict resolution. Robert Mosbacher, Jr. CEO
of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation discussed the many
ways in which OPIC can assist those who wish to invest in the Middle
East. Private briefings on energy included Robert Bryce, writer for The
Energy Tribune, and Michael Webber, with international perspectives
on alternative energy.
We appreciate the assistance by member companies who allow us to
host programs on-site in their conference rooms. Not only does this save
program costs and broaden the awareness of Council activities, it gives a
window on corporate activities to our young professionals members who
are occasionally invited to participate. We thank Fulbright & Jaworski
LLP, Apache Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Simmons & Company
International, The Nopal Group, ExxonMobil and Baker Hughes for
their assistance by hosting briefings.
The discussion with Ambassador Houdek added immeasurably to my
understanding of China’s presense in Africa. His knowledge of the issues
is matched only by his grace and humor.
—Nancy Dean
Glassell School of Art
6
Council Cabinet
Brings the leadership and support necessary to sustain our mission
Council Cabinet members enjoy an array of exclusive events and
conversations with guest speakers from around the world. Held in
private homes, clubs, or restaurants, each event is a unique and intimate
experience, memorable for both host and guests. In 2008, we held
twenty-eight Council Cabinet events with such notables as Joseph Nye,
Harvard; Phillip Zelikow, US Department of State; Marwan Muasher,
World Bank; and Ambassadors Klaus Scharioth, Germany and Andreas
Kakouris, Cyprus. We discussed Iraq with Col. Peter Mansoor,
international journalism with Robin Wright, and Pakistan with Bruce
Reidel. Cabinet members enrich each discussion with their substantial
knowledge and stories.
It has been a pleasure to host several of the Council Cabinet events. As a
life-long student of international affairs, I appreciate the opportunity to meet
the people who I have come to know so well through study. I feel like an eyewitness to world events.
— Pat Moran
We thank the many Cabinet members including Pat Moran, Nancy
Patterson and Brad Green, Dr. Stephen and Lauren Kramer, Jennifer
Smith and Peter Ragauss, Malcolm and Kate Hawk, and Beth Madison
who have provided additional assistance to the Council by hosting
receptions and dinners in their homes.
Membership in the Council Cabinet is available for an annual
contribution of $1,000 or more. It is open to all and is the fastest
growing segment of our membership.
7
The Marathon Oil Corporation Speaker Series
Makes an impact
For the third year, the generous support of Marathon Oil Corporation
has made it possible for the Council members to hear esteemed scholars,
journalists, and global leaders. Speakers including Joseph Stanislaw,
Rich Karlgaard, Joesph Nye, Peter Eigen, Fareed Zakaria, Larry
Diamond, and James Rubin shared their insight on Issues of national
security, democracy and leadership. They spoke to capacity audiences
throughout the year and greatly increased the public awareness of the
Council in Houston. With the success of the Marathon Oil Corporation
Speaker Series, the Council has been able to establish both a solid
financial position and a strong national reputation. We thank Clarance
Cazelot, Jr. and Richard Horstman of Marathon Oil, for their support
and personal commitment to the Council.
Marathon is a company that lives its values and is proud to support
educational projects in the Houston area. I particularly enjoyed the Teach
Africa, all day workshop for educators. I have spent a lot of time in Africa and
I am glad that the Council has fostered a better understanding of the great
progress that has been made in recent years.
—Richard Horstman
Marathon Oil
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LATVIA
DENMARK
LITHUANIA
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The Jones Award Annual Benefit
U. K.
IRELAND
GERMANY
BELGIUM
LUX.
Each year, the World Affairs Council honors a Houstonian, who in
the spirit of Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones, has contributed to the
international life of the city. Jesse Jones recognized that Houston’s
international reach would determine its growth. He was largely
responsible for securing funding for the Houston Ship Channel and
also had a distinguished career in public service as director general of
military relief for the American Red Cross in World War I, chairman of
the Reconstruction Finance Corporation during the great depression,
and Secretary of Commerce during World War II. Mr. and Mrs. Jones
established the Houston Endowment in 1937 to formalize their
philanthropy and focus on education as a key to a vibrant community.
In 2008, we recognized Forrest Hoglund, energy executive and
philanthropist, whose life exemplifies the accomplishments and
character of Jesse Jones. Hoglund’s distinguished career in the natural
gas industry has included service in top management with Exxon, Texas
Oil and Gas, and EOG Resources. Since retiring from EOG in 1999, he
has worked in support of many nonprofit organizations, serving on the
Endowment Association of the University of Kansas, where he was its
distinguished alumni, and as past chairman of the board of visitors of
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Mr. Hoglund is currently vice chairman
of Reasoning Mind, a web-based mathematics program for middleschool students. Together, he and his wife Sally have given generously of
their time and resources to support education throughout Texas.
Former Senator Robert Dole spoke on American leadership and his years
in government. The luncheon audience of 600 included many veterans.
We share their appreciation for Senator Dole’s service to our country.
UKRAINE
SLOVAKIA
SWITZ.
FRANCE
BYELARUS
POLAND
CZECH
AUSTRIA HUNGARY
SLOVENIA
ITALY
CROATIA
BOSNIA
KAZAKHSTAN
MOLDOVA
RUSSIA
ROMANIA
SERBIA
BULGARIA
MONTENEGRO
MACEDONIA
PORTUGAL
ARMENIA
SPAIN
TURKEY
TUNISIA
CYPRUS
LEBANON
MOROCCO
JORDAN
LIBYA
ALGERIA
AZERBAIJAN
TURKMENISTAN
IRAQ
AFGHANISTAN
IRAN
KUWAIT
PAKISTAN
EGYPT
WESTERNSAHARA
QATAR
U. A. E.
SAUDI ARABIA
OMAN
MAURITANIA
NIGER
MALI
SENEGAL
GUINEA BISSAU
GUINEA
SIERRA LEONE
LIBERIA
BURKINA
BENIN
GHANA
IVOR COAST TOGO
SUDAN
DJIBOUTI
NIGERIA
SOMALIA
CENTRAL AFRICANREPUBLIC
CAMEROON
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
SAO TOME & PRINCIPE
YEMEN
ERITREA
CHAD
GAMBIA
ETHIOPIA
UGANDA
CONGO
KENYA
ZAIRE
GABON
RWANDA
BURUNDI
TANZANIA
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
MALAWI
NAMIBIA
BOTSWANA
ZIMBABWE
MOZAMBIQUE
MADAGASCAR
SWAZILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
TAJIKIST
SYRIA
ISRAEL
Canary Islands
UZBEKISTAN
GEORGIA
GREECE
ALBANIA
LESOTHO
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Young Professionals
Connect members to global leaders and local friendships
The Young Professionals Group (YPG) brings together Houston’s
emerging leaders and international experts. YPG programs address
cutting-edge topics of local and global concern.
Thirty two YPG events were held in 2008, developed and managed
by Kirsten Davis and the YPG Advisory Board. We applaud their
outstanding work and dedication.
Andrea Elliott talked about her New York Times journalism series
on Muslims in America. Majka Burhardt showed YPG members her
adventures climbing virgin sandstone in Ethiopia. Michael Webber
offered his perspective of the hype and hope of alternative energy.
Simon Marks detailed how Brazil became a rising power on the world
stage. Hillel Neuer celebrated International Human Rights Day with a
program about the United Nations Watch.
In 2008 the Global Projections About Tomorrow’s Houston series
allowed local international leaders to share their perspective on the
next big issues for our city. Mayor Bill White discussed Houston as an
International Destination and how the current economic crisis could
affect Houston. The Consul General of Spain Ambassador Miguel
Mazarambroz talked about the lessons Houston can learn from Spain
with regard to immigration. Michael Skelly discussed how Texas led the
way in wind power as an alternative energy.
We offer a special thank you to Pat Moran and Moran Resources who
hosted the reception with Sarah Mendelsohn and Ted Gerber on the
future of Russian youth. The support of our members is crucial to the
success of the Council’s young professionals group.
10
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2008 WorldQuest
GUINEA BISSAU
GUINEA
SIERRA LEONE
BURKINA
BENIN
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IVOR COAST TOGO
YEMEN
ERITREA
CHAD
GAMBIA
MYANMAR
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MAURITANIA
CENTRAL AFRICANREPUBLIC
VIETNAM
KAMPUCHEA
DJIBOUTI
NIGERIA
CAMEROON
THAILAND
INDIA
SUDAN
SOMALIA
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
SAO TOME & PRINCIPE
GABON
UGANDA
CONGO
KENYA
ZAIRE
PHILIPPINES
SRI LANKA
ETHIOPIA
Tests international knowledge and builds team spirit
LIBERIA
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BRUNEI
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
RWANDA
BURUNDI
TANZANIA
Approximately 450 people played WorldQuest 2008,
now in its eighth year of competition.
Individuals, company teams, and groups of friends tell us that they have made WorldQuest an
annual tradition. Teams now form early
in the
year and meet as study groups in preparation
ZAMBIA
ANGOLA
for the next competition. The event is also used as a team building exercise by many Houston
NAMIBIAa thrilling sudden death round, using ten additional
companies. This 2008 game went into
MADAGASCAR
questions before a winner could be announced. Congratulations to all
participants.
PAPUANEW GUINEA
INDONESIA
MALAWI
BOTSWANA
ZIMBABWE
MOZAMBIQUE
AUSTRALIA
SWAZILAND
First Place
The Schlumberger team
Nine Lost Survivors and One Desperate Housewife
SOUTH AFRICA
LESOTHO
Second Place
ExxonMobil Team
Third Place
The Ambassadors
Best Team Name
GDF Suez NA Team
I Can See Russia from My House
Best Dressed Team
The Global Moguls
11
RUSSIA
RUSSIA
Education Outreach
Supports teachers and promotes international awareness in students
The World Affairs Council supports our teachers and nurtures the next
generation by offering one of the most active educational outreach efforts
in the nation. During 2008, the program has flourished, increasing the
number of high schools served, and developing stronger partnerships
with area school districts.
KAZAKHSTAN
MONGOLIA
UZBEKISTAN
KYRGYZSTAN
AZERBAIJAN
TURKMENISTAN
NORTH KOREA
TAJIKISTAN
SOUTH KOREA
Mindful of the importance
of college to our students, we
CHINA
established the Student Diplomat program. Students who
PAKISTAN
attend Council events are given credit as Ambassador,
Statesman, Minister or President and add that to college
TAIWAN
applications.
JAPAN
AFGHANISTAN
IRAN
NEPAL
QATAR
U. A. E.
ARABIA
BHUTAN
MYANMAR
OMAN
BANGLADESH
YEMEN
INDIA
MALIA
LAOS
THAILAND
VIETNAM
KAMPUCHEA
PHILIPPINES
SRI LANKA
BRUNEI
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
There are approximately ten educational activities each month, open
to teachers or students of both public and private schools. In 2008 our
students met Richard Karlgaard, editor of Forbes Magazine, discussed
Iraq policy with Peter Mansoor, and learned about young people in
the Middle East from journalist Robin Wright. We sponsored full day
teacher workshops on Southeast Asia, Africa, and emerging foreign
policy challenges for the United States. All workshops are accredited and
give teachers an opportunity to gain effective teaching techniques and
deepen their knowledge of international issues. Thanks to a generous
grant from the Brown Foundation for our Noon Briefings, we were able
to host more than 600 students throughout the year at luncheon events
for the general Council. Such opportunities give students exposure to
high-level speakers and are also a window to the adult world.
Working with the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa,
we gave special attention to issues across the African continent with
speakers Obiageli Ezekwesili of the World Bank, and Ambassadors
Robert Houdek and Robert Krueger. All of this helps prepare our
FIJI
students for the Teach Africa Students
Summit, to be held in May 2009.
PAPUANEW GUINEA
INDONESIA
MADAGASCAR
NEW CALEDONIA
AUSTRALIA
Energy programs were a major focus during the year and leading
experts such as Matt Simmons, Joseph Stanislaw, Michael Skelly, and
Michael Webber talked to students and teachers about issues of supply,
security, and alternative energy sources. We hosted a number of field
trips to energy companies with a student favorite being the real-time
NEW ZEALAND
12
CANADA
3-D seismic facilities of Anadarko, Halliburton and Schlumberger.
These events help students look beyond their education to possible
career choices.
Students talked to Senator Robert Dole as part of our Conversations
with History. The Council’s international travel for teachers continues
U. S. A.
to be enormously
popular. In 2008, we were able to take 25 teachers
on full or partial scholarships to Egypt for an in-depth study tour. This
experience gives teachers exposure the culture and history of a region,
which enhances their classroom presentations. The lesson plans they
produce are shared on the website.
The Teach Africa workshop was awesome! Thank you so much for putting
this together. I spent 3 months in Zimbabwe in 1993 and fell in love with the
continent then. I teach Africa with passion and love and the new information
you provided to me through this program is wonderful. I realize it was a monumental task putting this all together. There was such
a diverse group of presenters, each with their own unique talents and views. And then getting 250 teachers together in one place (without complaining),
WOW.
—Tammy Koonce
Klein Forest HS
THE BAHAMAS
MEXICO
Approximately 500 students played Academic WorldQuest in 2008,
our international trivia contest,
and 250 students attended the World
BELIZE
HONDURAS
Cultures Summit.
These flag-ship programs are fun, interactive, and
GUATEMALA
NICARAGUA
highly educational.EL SALVADOR
PANAMA
CUBA
DOM. REP.
JAMAICA
HAITI
COSTA RICA
VENEZUELA
GUYANA
The Texas Foreign Language Association has presented its Friends of
COLOMBIA
the Profession to the World Affairs Council.
This award is given to the
organization in Texas that most effectively encourages the study of a
second language. The Council thanks
all those who have helped in our
PERU
Foreign Language Symposia, including table hosts, native speakers,
and our corporate partners—Aramco Services, Schlumberger,
and
BRAZIL
Anadarko Petroleum.
SURINAME
FRENCH GUIANA
ECUADOR
BOLIVIA
Recognizing the need to provide more information on international
finance and economics, we began a new series of teacher workshops:
Contemporary Issues in International
CHILE Economics. Events were
held in cooperation with the Federal Reserve ARGENTINA
Bank of Dallas, Houston
Branch. These teacher workshops are fully accredited and include
lesson plans and related resource materials. Thanks to the Greater
Texas Foundation, the Council again awarded a $2,500 scholarship to
a student who will pursue international studies at a four-year college or
university.
PARAGUAY
URUGUAY
Lastly, we established the Student Diplomat program which gives
students credit for attending any Council event. Those who participate
FALKLAND ISLANDS
can work their way up to the rank of Ambassador, a distinction they can
SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND
add to college applications.
13
Travel with the Council
Opens doors world-wide
Our trips are designed for the thoughtful traveler, combining historical
sites, contemporary meetings, and high-level access. You explore the
country and the culture, the places and the people.
In 2008, we enjoyed trips to Egypt, Israel and Jordan, Turkey,
Argentina and Chile, The Baltic Republics, and Syria. We are often
able to schedule meetings with professors, businessmen and senior
elected officials. Council members gained a deeper and more personal
understanding of regional issues and U.S. foreign policy challenges.
In Syria, for example, we had briefings with the Deputy Prime Minister
and the First Lady of Syria, as well as leading businessmen and scholars.
While acknowledging the many differences between our governments,
14
the Syrians stressed the desire for a new dialog. This track-two
diplomacy is a strong addition to Council offerings and is in keeping
with the tradition of intellectual exploration and debate that is at the
core of our mission.
It is not only the sights, sounds, and tastes of distant lands that make
international travel so rewarding. It is also the fun of spending days with
Council members who are explorers at heart and enjoy learning something
new each day.
—Don Haley
Donors
$1,000+
The many programs and educational initiatives of the Council would not be possible without the
financial support of members, foundations, and Houston’s corporate and philanthropic leaders.
$65,000 +
Marathon Oil Company
$25,000 +
Brown Foundation, Inc.
Houston Endowment Inc.
$20,000 +
Baker Hughes Incorporated
ConocoPhillips
Continental Airlines*
$15,000 +
ExxonMobil
Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa
EOG Resources
Forest Hoglund Foundation
Madison Benefits Group
Schirrmeister Diaz-Arrastia Brem, LLP
Simmons Foundation
$10,000 +
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
Aramco Services Company
Baker Botts LLP
CB&I
Chevron Global Power
Det Norske Veritas
Frontera Resources Corporation
Halliburton
Houston Chronicle
Moran Resources Company, LP
Shell Oil Company
Simmons & Company International
Vanco Energy Company
$5,000 +
Advarion Incorporated
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation
BP America, Inc.
Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Cheasepeake Energy Co.
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Devon Energy
Duke Energy International
Encore Bank
EnerVest, Ltd.
FMC Technologies, Inc.
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Mr. & Mrs. James Glanville
Huron Consulting Group
Mr. Joe Foster
Jones Day
Mayer Brown LLP
Mr. Rodney Mitchell
Dr. Maureen O’Driscoll-Levy
Orion Energy Partners
Port of Houston Authority
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Schlumberger
SeaOne Maritime
Swift Energy
Thompson & Knight LLP
Tristone Capital
Vinson & Elkins LLP
$2,500 +
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.
Apache Corp.
BTEC Turbines LP
Burleson Cooke, L.L.P.
Cabot Oil
Compass Bank Wealth Management Group
Credit Suisse
Crest Investment Company
Dannenbaum Engineering Corp.
Davis - Lynch, Inc.
Mr. James Day
DeMontrond Automotive Group, Inc.
El Paso
Foster Quan LLP
Guggenheim Partners
INTEC Engineering
McGriff, Seibels
McGriff, Seibels & Williams of TX, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Mr. Tim Perry
RyanGlover LLP
Triple Double Advisors
Mr. Eugene Vaughan
WEDGE Group, LLC
Alvarez & Marsal
Amegy Bank
Andrews & Kurth LLP
Aries Resources LLC
Mr. Nabil Arwadi
Mr. & Mrs. KimBates
Mr. Donald Beckner
BJ Services
Dr. Robert Blades
Mr. & Mrs. James Boone
George & Ann Boss
Mr. & Mrs. James Brady
Mr. & Mrs. C. Robert Bunch
Mr. & Mrs. James Butler, III
Mr. James Butler, Jr.
Mr. John Caskey
Mr. & Mrs. Shushana Castle
Mr. Lawrence Chapman
Mr. Kevin Colbert
Ms. Victoria Corcoran
Ms. Kimberly Corley
Mr. Alan Craft
Ms. Sharon Curran-Wescott
Data Retrieval Corp.
Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Davis
DCG Partnership, Ltd.
Mr. & Mrs. Ed de Zevallos
Mr. John Dickerson
Mr. & Dr. Nancy Dumas
Eagle Global Advisors, LLC
Mr. Martin Fein
Ms. Ursula Felmet
Mr. Gordon Fowkes
Ms. Shara Fryer
Mr. S. Scott Gaille
Mr. Stephen Ghiglieri
Mr. John Goodman
Gordius Consulting, LLC
Greenberg Traurig
Ms. Zahava Haenosh
Mr. Joseph Hafner, Jr.
Mr. Gus Halas
Mr. Jacqueline Hamilton
Haynes & Boone
Heyltex Corporation
Mr. Robert Hillin, Jr.
Mr. Jay Hudgins
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Hughes
Lynn N. & Olive Hughes
Hunton Group
James E. Bashaw & Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Johnson
15
Dr. & Mrs. Eugene Kang
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Keenan
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Kiley
King & Spalding LLP
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Kramer
Mr. Reza Ladjevardian
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lanier
Mr. Irwin Levowitz
Mr. Alan Livingston
Lone Star College System
Mr. Sean Martin
Mr. Robert Maurice
Ms. Olive McCollum Jenney
Ms. Laura McWilliams
Methodist International
Ms. Kim Meyer
Mr. Lucian Morrison
Mr. Ewell Murphy, Jr.
Nations Petroleum USA, INC.
Newfield Exploration Company
NOPAL Group
Ms. Marge O’Connor
Ms. Sylvia Pacholder Grossman
Mr. Rob Parrish
Mr. Arthur Peabody, Jr.
Quantum Energy Partners
Ms. Shelia Rice
Robert Half Legal
Mr. John Romain
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Sarofim
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Saye
Ms. Joan Schnitzer-Levy
Mr. James Schooler
Schwartz, Junell, Greenberg & Oathout LLP
Mr. Bruce Siberts
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Stanley Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stowbridge
Suez Energy Resources NA
Mr. Blake Tartt
Mr. James Tennant
TOTAL E&P New Ventures, Inc.
Total E&P USA, Inc.
Mr. Robert Tudor
Mr. & Mrs.Veer Vasishta
Dan & Miranda Wainberg
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Walker
Mr. William Wally
Wartsila North America Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. James West
Winstead PC
Mr. Win Wolff
Mr. & Mrs. Shiao Woo
Mr. & Mrs. James Woods
16
Dr. & Mrs. Frank Yelin
Mr. Yousuf Zakaria
Zenith International Holdings LTD
$500+
Mr. Charles Bolden
Mr. John Bookout, Jr.
Mr. Lewis Chandler
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dixon
Mr. & Mrs. Hessni Douglass
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Duncan, Jr.
Mr. Robert Fry, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gieles
Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Hawk
Mr. James Ledbetter
Ms. Meredith Miniat
Mr. Essam Omar
Mr. Terry Thoem
Mr. Tyler Todd
University of Houston - Bauer College of Business
Ms. Linda Wuest
$250 +
Mr. Mark Abendshein
Mr. Terrance Abrams
Mr. Samer Al-Azem
Mr. Mir Alikhan
Mr. John Ambler
Mr. Everett Anschutz
Mr. Hernan Arizmendi
Ms. Jennifer Ayers
Mr. Gilbert Baker
Ms. Anu Bala
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Barber
Mr. John Barlow
Ms. Julia Barrett
Mr. H. Paul Barringer
Mr. Federico Bauder
Ms. Harriette Bearden
Mr. Darrell Betts
Mr. & Mrs. George Bond
Mr. John Bonica
Mr. Paul Braun
Mr. William Braun
Mr. Lance Broussard
Ms. Kathryne Browning
Ms. Paulette Burkhart
Mr. Brian Byrne
Ms. Faye Caldwell
Ms. Rita Campbell
Ms. Lily Carrigan
Mr. & Mrs. John Cater
Mr. Bob Cavnar
Ms. Stephanie Cecere
Mr. Zong-Cheng Chen
Mr. Gregory Childers
Mr. Les Clark
Ms. Virginia Clark
Mr. Leland Cleland
Mr. & Mrs. Yves Cloots
Mr. Bruce Coane
Mr. Joseph Colangelo
Mr. Stephen Comey
Mr. Robert Cone
Mr. Charles Coussons
Ms. Lavonne Cox & Dennis DeBakey
Mr. John Crane
Ms. Janice Creery
Mr. Platt Davis
Ms. Aneta Davis
Mr. Benoit de Crombrugghe
Ms. Linnet Deily
Mr. Alex Dell
Ms. Elizabeth DeStephens
Mr. Ron Dieterich
Mr. David Ducote
Mr. Joseph Edwards
Mr. Robert Egan
Mr. Christoph Eicken
Mr. George Eisenhauer
Mr. James Elkins III
Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Epperson
Mr. & Mrs. M.G. Esfahani
Mr. Nathanael Essissima
Ms. Ann Farmer
Mr. Steven Fenberg
Mr. James Fonteno
Dr. Michelle Foss
Ms. Martha Freedman
Ms. Leslie Frisby
Mr. Robert Fulford
Ms. Jaroslaw Garlinski
Mr. John George
Mr. Jon Gogola
Mr. Ramesh Goklani
Mr. Herbert Goodman
Mr. Richard Goodrich
Mr. Vijay Goradia
Ms. Maureen Graf
Mr. Charles Greco
Mr. Frederick Greene
Mr. Paul Gregory
Mr. James Griffith
Mr. Mike Grimes
Mr. Thad Grundy, Jr.
Mr. Guillermo Guariguata
Mr. John Gutkowski
Mr. Uzi Halevy
Mr. Brad Harmes
Ms. Mika Hasler
Mr. John Havins
Mr. George Helland
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Higdon
Ms. Scott Hill
Mr. Robert Hinds
Mr. Roger Hoffman
Ms. Susan Hollier
Mr. Charles Hoopingarner
Ms. Nancy Hubener
Mr. Robert Hunter
Mr. Kenneth Hurr
Mr. S. Anwer Hussain
Dr. Carl Jarvis
Mr. Imtihan Jawdat
Mr. W.A. Jentsch, Jr.
Ms. Linda Joekel
Ms. Sheila Johnstone
Ms. Marilyn Jones
Mr. Douglas Karabasz
Mr. Olukayode Kareem
Mr. Salim Kassam
Mr. Timothy Kelly
Mr. Rob Kerr
Mr. Chopin Kiang
Ms. Elizabeth Kidd
Mr. Bret Kimmel
Mr. J.D. Kimmel
Dr. Randy King
Ms. Nora Klein
Mr. Matt Krohn
Mr. Nawab Laghari
Mr. Ryan Lambert
Mr. Rob Lease
Mr. Brannon Lloyd
Ms. Elizabeth Lockwood
Mr. Mike Logan
Mr. Teb Lokey
Mr. Robert Long
Ms. Bernadette Lunt
Mr. Robert Maby, Jr.
Mr. Neil Martin
Ms. Amanda Martin
Dr. Rebecca Matejowsky
Mr. George Mathew
Mr. Kennie Matthews
Mr. Jason Mauk
Mr. Keith McCarthy
Mr. Alexander McLanahan
Mr. Thomas McNulty
Mr. Thomas McNueary
Ms. Karen McRae
Mr. John Mills
Mr. Terry Milstead
Mr. Bruce Misamore
Ms. Jessica Monagas-Wohlfahrt
Ms. Ellen Moore
Mr. James Murphy
Mr. John Myung
Mr. Jonathan Nash
Mr. Roy Nichol
Mr. David Nollsch
Mr. Gwynne Old
Mr. Jonathan Osha
Mr. Judith Oudt
Mr. Thomas Owen
Mr. H.Sola Oyinlola
Mr. Abhay Pande
Mr. Keith Parker
Mr. R.Wayne Payne
Mr. Gurney Pearsall, Sr.
Mr. James Peppe
Mr. John Peppercorn
Mr. Bill Person
Mr. Gary Petersen
Mr. James Phillips
Mr. Allen Pike
Ms. Ann Pinchak
Mr. Jack Plunkett
Mr. Richard Price
Mr. Daniel Prosser
Ms. Gary Randazzo
Ms. Dianne Reece
Mr. Philip Reischman
Mr. Anthony Reso
Mr. E.George Reynolds, Jr.
Ms. Cheryl Richard
Mr. Allyn Risley
Mr. John Rogers
Mr. Mike Rollins
Mr. David Rowan
Mr. Stephen Rubin
Mr. William Rudolf
Mr. Thomas Russell
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Russell
Ms. Rosemary Rust
Ms. Connie Sample
Mr. Charles Sandel
Mr. Michael Schaefer
Amb. Arthur Schechter
Mr. Alexander Schilt
Ms. Starr Shephard
Mr. Assad Shorrosh
Mr. Michael Shultz
Mr. Robert Silverman
Mr. Barry Silverman
Mr. Patrick Simon
Ms. Cynthia Sinatra
Mr. Hank Sinclair
Mr. Rand Sluder
Mr. Leon Smith
Mr. Jose Soares De Pina
Ms. Edward Stacey
Mr. John Stanton
Mr. Jonathan Stewart
Mr. John Sullivan
Mr.& Mrs.Bishr Tabbaa
Mr. Larry Tanner
Mr. Khaled Telfah
Texas Foreign Language Association
Ms. Elizabeth Theut
Mr. Stephen Thorington
Ms. Patricia Tilton
Mr. Mark Toubin
Ms. Sue Trammell Whitfield
Mr. J.Michael Trotter, Sr.
Mr. Dimitrios Valsamis
Mr. Bruce Vincent
Voyava Republic Corporation
Ms. Heather Walker
Mr. J.R. Walsh
Mr. James Watt
Ms. Marcia West
Ms. Diana Westover, CPC
Mr. Stephen White
Mr. Karl Williams
Ms. Laurie Williams
Ms. LaVerne Williams
Mr. Ron Wilson
Mr. Bill Wilson
Mr. Peter Wolfhagen
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Wood, III
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Workin
Ms. Edieth Wu
Mr. Kenneth Yellowe
Ms. Margaret Young
*includes gifts in kind
17
Community Partners
Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa
American Jewish Committee
Bangladesh-American Society of Greater Houston
Brazos Bookstore
Columbia University Club of South Texas
Council on Foreign Relations
Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch - Economic Education
French-American Chamber of Commerce
Greater Houston Partnership
Harvard Club of Houston
Houston Bar Association
Houston International Trade & Development Council
Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
Indo-American Chamber of Commerce
International Trade Center
Institute for Energy Law
Latin Business Chronicle
MBA Council of Houston
Mexican Institute of Greater Houston
MIADC Canada
Murder by the Book
Museum Fine Arts Houston - Film Department
Oklahoma University Alumni
Peace & Justice Center
Petroleum Club International Speaker Series
Renewable Energy Business Network
Rice University Jones School of Management
Rotary Club International
Rothko Chapel
Russian-American Chamber for Trade and Industry
Society of Performing Arts Houston
Society of Petroleum Engineers - Gulf Coast Section
Texas Southern University
US-Arab Bilateral Chamber
US Commercial Service
Young Professionals in Energy
World Bank Group
18
Financial Information
During 2008, the Council has operated in the black and added to
our reserve funds. With the downturn of the global economy and
in preparation for the challenges ahead, the audit committee has
reviewed the budget for 2009. As our revenues come under pressure in
the months ahead, we will continue to act prudently while managing
our expenses and will chart a careful path through these times.
Revenue
Programs
Membership
individual
corporate
Gifts and grants
Interest income
In-kind contributions
$925,273
226,537
321,547
117,343
16,084
30,000
Total revenue
$1,636,784
Expenses
Community programs
Educational outreach
Members services
Development
Rent, phone, web
Administration
$1,095,279
185,000
42,000
66,200
54,849
85,000
Total expenses
$1,528,328
Net Income
$108,456
ECUADOR
PAPUANEW GUINEA
PERU
Board of Directors
BRAZIL
The Council’s board of directors
is among the most active and involved in the city. Its members are fully engaged in all we do,
FIJI
monitoring the Council’s strategic direction, as well as suggesting programs, helping at events, and chairing committees. The
time, wisdom, and resources generously contributed by directors is the most significant factor in the Council’s success.
BOLIVIA
NEW CALEDONIA
A
PARAGUAY
CHILE
ARGENTINA
Officers & Executive Committee
Advisory Board
Chairman
Shara Fryer
Journalist
Clarence Cazalot, Jr.
Marathon Oil Company
Mark Abendshein
ABOCO Investments LLC
Layne E. Kruse
Fullbright & Jaworski LLP
James Day
Noble Corporation
Peter A. Barbara
McGriff, Seibels &
Williams of Texas, Inc.
Reza Ladjevardian
Real Estate Development
President
NEW ZEALAND
Andrew C. Schirrmeister, III
Schirrmeister DiazArrastia Brem, LLP
Vice President
Eugene H. Vaughan
Vaughan Investment
Treasurer
James S. D’Agostino Jr.
Encore Bank
Secretary
William H. Knull, III
Mayer Brown LLP
Joe Foster
Newfield Exploration
Robert Ivany
University of St. Thomas
Charles Miller
Meridian National
Robert Mosbacher, Sr.
Mosbacher Energy
Chase Untermeyer
Former US Ambassador to Qatar
Bill White
Mayor of Houston
Board of Directors
Michael Benjamin
Schlumberger
URUGUAY
Christine LaFollete
Akin Gump Strauss
Hauer & Feld LLP
FALKLAND ISLANDS
John Bowman
King & Spalding
Lindell Looger
EOG Resources International
John Bretz
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Nancy MacKimm
Jones Day, LLP
Richard L. Burleson
Burleson Cooke, LLP
Beth Madison
Madison Benefits Group.
Boyd G. Carano
Vinson & Elkins, LLP
Ewell E. Murphy, Jr.
Baker Botts LLP (ret.)
Galen Cobb
Halliburton
Albert Orozco
PricewaterhouseCopers
David Coffman
SUEZ Energy Resources NA
Matthew Pilon
Simmons & Company
International
Immediate Past Chair
Phil Delozier
EnerVest Management Partners, Ltd.
Ed Wulfe
Wulfe & Company
Trustees
Board Diplomat
Judge Lynn N. Hughes
United States District Court
Sean Daichman
BTEC Turbines LP
Robert Blades
JPMorgan Chase Bank
Robert Smith, III
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
George A. DeMontrond, III
DeMontrond Automotive
Charles C. Foster
Tindall & Foster, P.C.
Robert Clarke
Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Antony M. D’Souza
Det Norske Veritas
Kenneth Harder
Dunbar Harder & Benson LLP
Alan R. Crain, Jr.
Baker Hughes Incorporated
John P. Enloe
Duke Energy International
Frank Michel
Office of the Mayor
Nicholas Evanoff
Frontera Resources
Arthur W. Peabody, Jr.
Peabody Enterprises
Jim Fonteno
Port of Houston Authority
William W. Trout
Compass Bancshares
Lee E. Harmon
FMC Technologies Inc.
Richard L. Horstman
Marathon Oil Corporation
John R. Kelly
ExxonMobil Corporation
SOUTH
E. Chip Ray
CB&I
Jennifer M. Smith
Baker Botts L.L.P
Edward M. Smith
INTEC Engineering
Telisa Toliver
Chevron
Lance Van Anglen
Shell EP Americas
William H. Weiland
Winstead
Pat Wood, III
Wood3 Resources
Linda Wuest
World Affairs Council of Houston
19
World Affairs Council of Houston
PO Box 920905
Houston, Texas 77292-0905
713-522-7811
www.wachouston.org