Welcoming New Members of Our Governing Board
We’re thrilled to welcome Kristen Habich, Ben Marek, and Tom Rourick to our Governing Board. Their leadership, expertise, and deep commitment to Houston will help guide the Community Foundation’s mission, and strengthen the impact made possible by our generous donors. We’re grateful for their willingness to serve, and excited for what we can accomplish together.
Kristen Habich brings over 30 years of wealth management, planning, and banking experience and a deep commitment to Houston to her service on our Governing Board.
At a glance
- Role/Background: Former Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank (Houston); led a team helping high-net-worth clients plan, invest, bank, and borrow.
- Expertise: Wealth transfer planning and family governance; connecting clients to global resources to help fulfill purpose and build a legacy for family and community.
- Leadership: Former member of J.P. Morgan’s Houston Market Leadership Team, supporting integration across lines of business, including driving community and employee engagement; Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Honoree (2021); Financial Times Top 100 Women Financial Advisors (2014).
- Education/Credentials: B.B.A. in Finance, The University of Texas at Austin; CFA® charterholder; CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™; former instructor in UT’s CFP® certification program; member of CFA® Institute and the Houston Security Analysts Society.
- Community involvement: Board member, EMERGE; Treasurer of the Board, Easter Seals of Greater Houston
- Personal: Married with three children; enjoys active travel, hiking, fly fishing, and exploring local history and culture.
Ben Marek is a native Houstonian and attorney who brings next-generation donor leadership and hands-on community involvement to the Governing Board.
At a glance
- Role/Background: In-house counsel at Marek Brothers, a drywall and specialty interiors construction firm founded by his grandfather in 1938.
- Leadership: Serves as the Community Foundation’s newest Next Gen Representative. Each year, the Community Foundation’s Governing Board elects one Next Gen Donor Institute alum to serve a two-year term. This is a unique and prestigious opportunity to learn, lead, and make a lasting impact.
- Education/Credentials: B.A. from Harvard; J.D. and M.B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin.
- Community involvement: Worked in the Immigration and Citizenship program at BakerRipley; current chair of the Community Foundation’s Next Gen Giving Circle; serves as an Advisory Board member for Momentum Education and Advisory Council member Tahirih Justice Center.
- Personal: Lives in the Heights with his wife, Neha, and their dog, Frankie; enjoys weekends on the Heights Hike & Bike Trail.
Tom Rourick brings more than 38 years of audit experience and regional market leadership to the Governing Board.
At a glance
- Role/Background: Office Managing Partner (Houston) at RSM US LLP; also serves as the Texas/Oklahoma Market Leader supporting audit, tax, and consulting services across the region.
- Expertise: Began his career with RSM in Iowa (1987); spent 11 years in Charlotte (promoted to partner); served as Office Managing Partner in Kansas City; has led the Houston office since 2015.
- Leadership: Oversees 27 partners and 350+ employees in Houston; the broader Texas/Oklahoma market includes six offices, 90+ partners, and nearly 1,200 professionals.
- Community involvement: Board Member, Greater Houston Partnership; recently served on the LifeHouse Houston Board.
A Community of Leaders
The Community Foundation is fortunate to call Houston home, a city recognized for its generosity, civic leadership, and vibrant philanthropic community. Among the many nonprofits doing extraordinary work across our region, we’re especially grateful that these leaders have committed their time and talents to help guide the Community Foundation. Their service strengthens our ability to steward giving well and to drive lasting impact for Houston and beyond.
We’re inspired by the extraordinary leaders who step forward to help us serve our community, and proud to share more about them. Get to know the Governing Board Members we’ve welcomed in recent years, from our 2025 additions—Kelly Hackett, Cody McGregor, Jay Sears, and Jay Steinfeld—to our 2024 cohort, including Avani Narang, Brandon Simmons, Y. Ping Sun, and Anthanette Wilson.
More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation
- More Than a Race: Anthanette “Toni” Wilson’s Servant Leadership
- Bob Harvey’s Amplified Giving: Evolving Philanthropy to Shape Houston’s Future
- Celebrating Service: A Champion for the Community Foundation
- Meet Avani Gupta Narang
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