Kate Dearing Fowler

Kate Dearing Fowler is a philanthropic leader who has dedicated her career to community development and nonprofit support. As the Executive Director of The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation since 2015, she has overseen the distribution of over $25 million to Houston-based nonprofits focusing on health, education, and sustainability services. Her professional journey began with eight years in broadcast journalism, audiobook production, and professional services marketing before transitioning into philanthropy.

Fowler’s commitment to community impact extends far beyond her foundation role. She is the founder of Houston Improvement Project, an organization dedicated to reviving nonprofit-owned community spaces, and serves on multiple prestigious boards, including Dress for Success Houston, Greater Houston Community Foundation, BridgeYear, The Hobby Center and the Houston Ballet.

An active volunteer, she contributes to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Alpaca/Llama Committee, leads a Girl Scout troop, and provides free notary services to Texas nonprofits. A Tulane University graduate with a Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives certificate from Rice University, Fowler continues to be a driving force in Houston’s philanthropic landscape.