Daisy White

Senior Advisor

Volunteering has long been the hallmark of Daisy’s life. She chaired the largest fundraiser in the nation for the American Cancer Society, the Cattle Baron’s Ball of Houston. She chaired the Nutcracker Market of the Houston Ballet, the very first year that it raised over $1 million dollars and was the Chair of the Susan Komen Race for the Cure, continuing its reputation by breaking both attendance and fundraising records in its efforts against breast cancer. When she was in Houston she was recognized as the Outstanding Houston “Volunteer of the Year” by NSFRE (National Society of Fundraising Executives ), “People to Watch” by Houston Chronicle and a “Woman of Distinction” by Houston Post.

As a former Associate Director of Development at Hermann Children’s Hospital, she continued to do what she had done so successfully as a volunteer…manage special events and corporate sponsorships, such as the Miracle Network Telethon. Following that she served as Project Consultant/Manager for many multi-day productions, including Superbowl, Major League Baseball and Presidential Inaugural events. These type of events had diverse service providers, venue staff, security and law enforcement officials, and volunteers. She was assigned to this position because of her ability to organize and run meetings efficiently, manage budgets, and negotiate with subcontractors for bids. She was recognized by the United States Secret Service (USSS) with a most coveted “Certificate of Appreciation” in 2004 for her organizational, management, and communication skills for 41@80, the 80th Birthday multi-day celebration for President George H. W. Bush, which she readily admits is the highlight of her Special Event’s career.

Upon her move to College Station in 2017, the George H.W. Bush Foundation retained her services as a Consultant for Special Events and Projects. In November, 2020, she completed her 11th year with Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction held in Houston. Other events include One America Appeal, the Harvey Hurricane relief concert, where 5 Presidents were gathered, as well as the 20th and 25th Anniversary of the Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Daisy currently serves on The Advancement Board for Texas A&M University Press, Advisory Board for the Houston Maritime Museum, and Advisory Board for Bo’s Place, a Houston non-profit bereavement center offering grief support services for children, families and adults. She currently is a member of the Texas State Committee for the National Museum for Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.

In 2005 Daisy was appointed by then Governor Rick Perry to the Governor’s Commission for Women and served until 2011, when she was appointed to the Texas Historical Commission. In 2017 Governor Abbott re-appointed her to serve the Texas Historical Commission until 2023.

She is married to John D. White ’70, former TAMU Regent, Distinguished Alumnus and Trustee of George & Barbara Bush Foundation. Daisy has “died and gone to heaven” being back in College Station, living blocks from where she grew up in the Historical District. She loves being able to hear the Fightin Texas Aggie Band practice in the morning and walking to the Aggie stadium where her enthusiasm for Aggie sports, especially football, is always evident.