Press Releases | Jul, 2 2013
AUSTIN, TX. – The LBJ Foundation has named Amy Barbee as its Executive Director, effective August 5, 2013. She assumes this role following Mary Herman, who retired from the position in June. Most recently, Barbee served as Executive Director of the non-profit Texas Cultural Trust.
As Executive Director of the LBJ Foundation, Barbee will lead diverse programs, direct fundraising, and develop strategic plans for the LBJ Presidential Library and LBJ School of Public Affairs. “Amy is a well-respected, dynamic, effective leader who gets results,” said Larry Temple, Chairman of the LBJ Foundation. “We are excited about the future of the LBJ Presidential Library and LBJ School of Public Affairs as Amy becomes responsible for all aspects of running the Foundation.”
A native of Austin, Barbee is a community leader in Texas and a longtime fundraiser, bringing years of experience to her new position. “I am honored to join the Foundation at an exciting time of celebration and reflection during the 50th Anniversary years of LBJ’s administration,” said Barbee. “I look forward to working with the Library and School of Public Affairs to expand the awareness of LBJ’s extraordinary legacy to all generations.”
As Executive Director of the Texas Cultural Trust, Barbee was responsible for its programs, which include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Create Texas - Put Your ART Into It, Arts and Digital Literacy program, Texas Women for the Arts, Founders for the Arts, and the Young Masters program. The mission of the Trust is to promote and highlight the importance of the arts in educating children and sustaining a vibrant Texas economy.
Barbee has worked in theatre, fundraising, advocacy, and politics. She was the first Executive Director of The Real Estate Council of Austin, Inc. and held that position for nine years. She has served as Director of Development for the Paramount Theatre in Austin, freelance Production Coordinator for Warner Bros. and Universal Studios on original hit films including The Blues Brothers, Ghost Story, and National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Fundraising Coordinator for two successful Congressional campaigns: Senator Lloyd Bentsen’s 1988 campaign and US Representative J.J. “Jake” Pickle’s 1986 campaign.
Barbee holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University, where she concentrated in theatre and film. She currently serves on the board of Texans for the Arts, the advisory committee for Mexic-Arte Museum and is a member of the State Arts Action Network for Americans for the Arts. She has served on the board of directors of the Paramount Theatre and Zachary Scott Theatre, and on advisory boards for the Nature Conservancy and the Charles W. Moore Foundation. She has also acted in leadership roles for the Junior League of Austin and the Urban Land Institute.
Barbee takes leadership of the LBJ Foundation following Mary Herman, who served as Executive Director for two years. “Mary was instrumental in overseeing the redesign of the LBJ Library’s core exhibits which are now open to the public,” said Elizabeth Christian, President of the LBJ Foundation. “Mary served the LBJ Foundation well and we say farewell to her with gratitude.”
About the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the LBJ Presidential Library and the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
Founded by President and Mrs. Johnson, the Foundation supplements funding not available from the Federal government to enhance the experience of the visiting public and provides grants for scholars and researchers who come to explore the Library’s collections. As one of only 13 presidential libraries in the country, the Library was established to preserve and make available for research the papers and memorabilia of President Johnson. A changing array of exhibits, engaging symposia, and community outreach programs are also supported by the Foundation. The Foundation also funds scholarships, faculty endowments, and research projects at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
