Professional Advisor Council

Empowering Advisors to Enhance Philanthropy

The Professional Advisor Council (PAC) will serve as a strategic partner to the Foundation by promoting the integration of charitable giving into the practices of professional advisors, empowering them to guide their clients in achieving financial and philanthropic goals. The PAC will advance the Foundation’s mission to expand philanthropic impact by connecting professional advisors to Greater Houston Community Foundation and serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and fostering a community of like-minded advisors committed to incorporating charitable planning into their work.

Additionally, the PAC will provide members with opportunities to exchange charitable giving ideas, stay informed about emerging issues and trends in philanthropy, and build meaningful relationships with other advisors.

Composition

The PAC will be comprised of 12-15 mid to senior-level professionals, with a balanced number of representatives from various disciplines, including but not limited to investment advisors, wealth managers, estate planning attorneys, tax professionals, CPAs, family office representatives, and financial planners. This balanced structure ensures a diverse range of perspectives and expertise while maintaining a manageable size for effective collaboration.

Terms

Members will serve two-year terms, with the opportunity to serve one additional consecutive term. Terms will be staggered to maintain continuity within the council.

Meetings

In 2025, the Foundation will hold an orientation for PAC members in April, followed by meetings in May, June/July, September, October, and November. Additional ad hoc meetings may be scheduled as needed. Beginning in 2026, meetings will transition to a bi-monthly schedule. All meetings will be held in person, with a virtual option available. Active participation and consistent attendance at all scheduled meetings are required.

What You Can Expect 

The following objectives outline the key initiatives and activities that will guide the PAC in advancing the Foundation’s mission and fostering a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment for professional advisors.

Engagement and Outreach: The PAC will expand the Foundation’s network within the professional advisor community, building meaningful relationships with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clientele. Members will serve as ambassadors, actively promoting the Foundation’s mission, services, and initiatives to individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and organizations, and the wider advisor community, enhancing its visibility as a trusted philanthropic partner.

Educational Development and Networking: The PAC will prioritize developing and launching the Foundation’s Advisor University, a program focused on advanced charitable gift planning and integrating philanthropy into clients’ financial and estate plans. This initiative will equip professional advisors with the knowledge and strategies to enhance their clients’ philanthropic impact. Additionally, the PAC will support the Annual Fall Advisor Breakfast, a key event for fostering networking and knowledge exchange among professional advisors, as well as other educational programs to integrate philanthropy into broader financial strategies and effective charitable planning.

Strategic Guidance: PAC members will provide strategic feedback and insights on the Foundation’s programs and services to meet the needs of HNW and UHNW individuals and families while advancing the Foundation’s philanthropic mission.

Building Strong Relationships: PAC members will cultivate and strengthen relationships with clients, colleagues, and other professional advisors to elevate the Foundation’s reputation and increase its engagement in the community. This includes leveraging networks to build long-term partnerships and encourage clients to consider the Foundation as a trusted philanthropic partner.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

The PAC seeks members who:

• Demonstrate commitment to incorporating philanthropy into their professional practice.
• Have demonstrated experience or interest in collaborating with the Foundation on shared client relationships.
• Are passionate about educating clients on the benefits and strategies of charitable giving.
• Possess expertise in tax, estate planning, financial/wealth advising, family office services, or related professional advisory fields.
• Are available and committed to attending regular PAC meetings and actively contributing to initiatives.

Ready to Apply? Let’s Get Started!

Interested candidates should complete and submit the application by February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM to be considered. Applications will be reviewed by Greater Houston Community Foundation leadership and Advisor Outreach Committee members. Selected applicants may be invited for a brief interview to discuss their experience, goals, and vision for collaboration with the Foundation on shared client relationships, and ideas for developing innovative educational programming that promotes charitable giving.

Notifications of acceptance will be sent by April 11. Orientation for PAC members will take place in mid/late April, with the PAC’s inaugural meeting scheduled for May 13 at 8am at the Greater Houston Community Foundation.