Meet Our New Board Members: Dr. Ruth Simmons and David Jones

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members, Dr. Ruth Simmons and David Jones. Their additions to our stellar board of directors will continue to guide our strategic direction and position us for long-term sustainability and impact.

Dr. Ruth Simmons was the eighth president of Prairie View A&M University from 2017 to 2023 and holds the distinction of being the first African American president of an Ivy League institution, having served at Brown University from 2001 to 2012. In 1995, she led Smith College, the largest women's college in the U.S. Dr. Simmons is affiliated with esteemed institutions like the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. Currently, she advises Harvard University on relationships with historically Black universities and serves as the President's Distinguished Fellow at Rice University. In 2023, Dr. Simmons shared her life story in the memoir "Up Home: One Girl’s Journey," reflecting on her upbringing in the segregated South, specifically in Houston’s Greater Fifth War.

“I am excited and honored to be a part of the important mission of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation in expanding access to high-quality literacy programs and resources to children and families across our city,” said Ruth Simmons, Ph.D. “Reading has been a personal passion of mine since childhood and a skill that I have promoted to thousands of students with whom I have engaged during my long academic career.”- Dr. Ruth Simmons

“We are honored that Dr. Simmons will lend her vast knowledge of education and passion for literacy as a board member of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, she truly understands firsthand the value of instilling a love of reading and education success as keys to a realizing one’s full potential and living the American Dream.” - Neil Bush

David Jones served as the President and CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation (formerly the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation) from 2016 until his retirement in 2021. During his tenure, he implemented a strategic plan for the next five years, overseeing fundraising and programming. David played a key role in opening a satellite office in Houston, enhancing relationships in the Bush family's hometown. Before his role at the foundation, he worked at Dini Spheris, a Houston-based firm, for 28 years, contributing to its growth as a leading fundraising consultancy. Earlier in his career, David was vice president and president of the American Productivity and Quality Center in Houston. A longtime friend of the Bush family, he collaborated with President George H.W. Bush, fundraising for the presidential library's founding and establishing an endowment. David and his wife, Pat, have been part of the host committee for A Celebration of Reading, the signature fundraiser for Barbara Bush’s literacy cause since its inception 30 years ago.

“The Bush Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation has done an incredible job over the past decade carrying forth Barbara Bush’s legacy interest in literacy by elevating literacy as a priority, cultivating community partnerships, and investing in research-backed programs,” said David Jones. “Mrs. Bush was proud of all that was accomplished before she passed away and proud of everyone involved. I look forward to serving on the board of directors and being a part of its continued success in changing lives through literacy.” – David Jones

“David Jones is a tremendous addition to our Board of Directors,” said Neil Bush. “He has been a personal friend of my family for decades. He was instrumental in working alongside my father, President George H.W. Bush, to fundraise for many efforts, including building an endowment for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station. His passion for carrying forth my parent’s legacies and his experience in helping position nonprofits for long-term success will be invaluable as we embark on the next decade of difference making through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.” – Neil Bush