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Professional Advisor Council Launches in Houston

May 22, 2025

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Amplifying Philanthropic Impact Together

We’re proud to announce the launch of Greater Houston Community Foundation’s (Foundation) Professional Advisor Council—an important step in deepening our partnership with the trusted advisors who guide our community’s most generous individuals and families. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to meaningful, lasting philanthropy and to supporting advisors as they help clients align their wealth with their values. 

The Professional Advisor Council (PAC) is a strategic partnership that connects trusted professional advisors—financial planners, attorneys, wealth managers and others—closer to the heart of our community’s needs and opportunities for giving. Through this partnership, we aim to equip advisors with tools, insights, and strategies to help their clients give with purpose and confidence. 

Bob Harvey and the Professional Advisor Council
L-R: Charlie Schwartzel, James Pavlik, Bob Harvey, Karen Costa,
Andrea Mayes, and Brandon Holcomb.

Welcome, New PAC Members! 

Our excitement for the PAC stems from our belief in the transformative power of collaboration—when advisors and the Foundation work together, we can unlock greater philanthropic potential and drive lasting, positive change for the causes that matter most. Together, we can help more individuals and families make a lasting difference. 

Join us in welcoming the following prestigious members of the inaugural Professional Advisor Council: 

Wesley Bowers, Fizer Beck
Jason Danziger, Corient 
Anthony Gamez, BDO USA 
Amanda Gyeszly, Gyeszly + Prangner 
Kelly Hackett, Tectonic Advisors 
Brandon Henry, Mosaic 
Jolie Howard, Ytterberg Deery Knull LLP 
Richard LaFont, Northern Trust 
Brian Merrill, Tanglewood Total Wealth Management 
Andy Moore, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
James Pavlik, Icon Wealth Partners 
Emily Smikal, PKF Texas 
Ryan Staff, RSM 
Matthew Summers, Brown Brothers Harriman 
Carol Warley, RSM US LLP 
Thomas Wright, Thomas M. Wright Advisory LLC 
Scott Zindler, Morgan Stanley

Empowering Advisors to Integrate Charitable Giving 

The core purpose of the PAC is to support advisors in seamlessly integrating charitable planning into their everyday practices. We understand the vital role advisors play in shaping their clients’ financial journeys, and we’re here to elevate that work by making charitable planning a natural and effective part of it.  

Brian Merrill Professional Advisor Council
Brian Merrill shares his thoughts at the first Professional Advisor Council meeting.

Through the PAC, advisors gain access to a network for knowledge sharing, professional growth, and collaborative dialogue. This partnership will enable advisors to stay informed about emerging issues, innovative trends in philanthropy, and new pathways for impactful charitable giving. 

Building a Community of Like-Minded Philanthropic Professionals 

The PAC isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about building a network of like-minded professionals committed to creating change. It’s a space for exchanging ideas, exploring innovative planning approaches, and forming meaningful relationships that extend beyond individual client engagements. 

Tommy Wright and the Professional Advisor Council
Tommy Wright, current Foundation Board member and Professional Advisor Council member.

Your Philanthropic Partner 

At the Foundation, we’re here to be your philanthropic resource, offering guidance, tools, and a trusted platform to support your clients’ goals.  Whether helping structure a noncash gift, identifying local impact opportunities, or navigating family legacy conversations, we are your partner in creating charitable solutions that matter. 

The launch of the PAC is just the beginning of a shared journey—grounded in community, guided by generosity, and driven by a commitment to lasting impact. Contact  Andrea Mayes today to explore how the Foundation can support you and your clients.  If you’d like to connect on LinkedIn, please follow Andrea and Greater Houston Community Foundation—where we frequently post about news and topics that could benefit your clients and your practice.

Karen Costa and Andrea Mayes at Professional Advisor Council
Karen Costa, Chair of the Advisor Outreach Committee, and
Andrea Mayes, Senior Director of Charitable Solutions at the Foundation.

More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation:

  • Southwest Airlines®: Bringing People Together in the Air and on the Ground
  • Retaining Clients Through Generational Connections
  • The Importance of Charitable Giving in Financial and Estate Planning
  • How to Start a Scholarship Fund

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