08/20/2026
Great organizations aren’t built by one person. They’re strengthened over time by people willing to step forward, take responsibility, open doors, build relationships, and lead.
Over Houston Children’s Charity’s first 30 years, eight Presidents have helped guide the organization through different chapters of its growth. Each brought something different to the role—but all shared one belief: Houston’s children deserve a community willing to answer when they need help.
Today, we celebrate Robert E. Ogle, Gary D. Becker, David L. Moore, Edna Meyer-Nelson, John B. Johnson, Tad Brown, Penny Loyd, and Laura S. Ward for their leadership, service, and lasting contributions to Houston Children’s Charity.
Different leaders. One shared promise.
30 Years of Extraordinary People.
Robert E. Ogle | 1996
Where leadership began.
A CPA turnaround professional and longtime civic leader, Robert Ogle became Houston Children's Charity’s first President and helped give a brand-new organization the foundation in leadership it needed to grow. He has also led the Houston CPA society, Good Samaritan Foundation and Operation Rainbow.
Gary D. Becker | 2002 & 2005–2006
The President Who Came Back
Gary brought decades of experience in live entertainment and relationship-building to Houston Children's Charity that helped start the star studded annual gala productions. He served not once, but twice as President. His career included more than 40 years with PACE Entertainment and later leadership in developing Smart Financial Centre. He remains HCC’s Vice Chairman today.
David L. Moore | 2003–2004
Building the Early Years
David Moore helped guide Houston Children's Charity during a formative period when the organization was still building its reputation, relationships, and presence throughout Houston. David thought every child should have privilege of a bike at Christmas and started HCC bike program that would later become his Elves and Moore.
Edna Meyer-Nelson | 2007–2009
Leadership That Lasts
Edna brought the same entrepreneurial drive to Houston Children's Charity that built The Richland Companies, the commercial real estate company she founded in 1993. Nearly two decades after her presidency, she's still serving Houston Children's Charity today as Treasurer, not to mention a reliable supporter for 28-years.
John B. Johnson | 2010–2013
Community Leadership in Action
John helped lead Houston Children's Charity through four important years of growth while bringing deep Houston business and community relationships to the organization. During his presidency, Houston Children's Charity continued building events that connected Houston leaders, athletes, and supporters directly to its mission— including 2012's A Gathering of Champions, which raised $130,000.
Tad Brown | 2014
Bringing the Team Together
Then a senior Houston Rockets executive, Tad brought a career built around sports, entertainment, community outreach, and bringing people together. His Houston Children's Charity presidency coincided with an era of major Gala visibility and strong Houston community connections.
Penny Loyd | 2015–2017
A Heart for Giving
Penny's commitment extends far beyond Houston Children's Charity. She and her husband established The Loyd Charitable Foundation in 2009, supporting organizations in Houston and around the world. Her own career has ranged from banking and technology to insurance and the Foreign Service—and she continues serving Houston Children's Charity today as Secretary.
Laura S. Ward | 2018–Present
Carrying the Promise Forward
Laura's connection to HCC reaches all the way back to its founding. Today, as President & CEO, she leads an organization that reports serving more than 300 agencies and over 8 million children since 1996—with the same ambition that has defined HCC from the beginning: leave no legitimate request for assistance unanswered.
