Douglas Foshee of El Paso Corporation Honored with Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones International Citizen Award by World Affairs Council of Houston

HOUSTON, TX —April 2, 2009—Douglas L. Foshee of El Paso Corporation will be honored with the Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones International Citizen Award on Friday, April 3 at a World Affairs Council luncheon. Each year the World Affairs Council honors a Houstonian who — in the spirit of Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones — has contributed to the international life of the city.

Douglas L. Foshee is president, chief executive officer, and a director of El Paso Corporation, which owns North America’s largest interstate natural gas pipeline system and is one of North America’s largest natural gas producers.  Foshee is a leader in the community and in the energy industry.  Through support for education and dedication to civic organizations, he has helped build Houston as a vibrant, international city.

The keynote speaker for the April 3^rd luncheon is Richard Armitage, former Deputy Secretary of State in the George W. Bush administration.  For four years, Armitage served with Secretary of State Colin Powell, crafting United States foreign policy in response to the challenges of terrorism, failing states, and increasing economic interdependence. 

The proceeds of this benefit will be used for the World Affairs Council’s award-winning educational programs. These include student programs and teacher training workshops as well as general membership and young professionals’ events.  

Jesse H. Jones was visionary in his recognition that Houston’s future depended on our international engagement, and was largely responsible for securing the funding for the Houston Ship Channel.  He built Houston — including hotels, newspapers, banks, and office buildings — and accomplished even more in public service.  Mrs. Jones joined him in efforts to advance education of children.

Media Contact: Kirsten Davis, media@wachouston.org  (713) 522-7811
Event Details: Friday, April 3^rd Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1200 Louisiana Street
Registration: 11:30 a.m. Program: 12:00-1:30 p.m. Open to the Public. Individual Tickets: $100

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The World Affairs Council is Houston’s most prestigious citizen’s forum. With over 7,000 members, it is now one of the largest and most successful in the nation. Through varied and balanced programs, the Council presents information on historic and current global issues, furthers understanding of international relations and foreign policy, and contributes to national and international policy debates.  Go to www.wachouston.org for more information.