Barbara adopted Houston upon moving from her home state of Missouri. While working for a local bank and attending the University of Houston, she met and married Don Jordan. She is very proud of her three daughters, Leslie, Lisa and Laura, her sons-in-law and her eight grandchildren.
Success in the international energy business provided Barbara a unique exposure to business organizations, charity and political activity in Houston and around the world.
As women’s chairman for national energy organizations such as the United States Energy Association and the World Energy Council, she has co-chaired industry meetings internationally and throughout the United States. She co-hosted the “Western Night” at the Economic Summit for Industrialized Nations when President George H. W. Bush hosted the leaders of England, France, Italy, Japan, Germany & Canada for a rodeo in the Astroarena. In 1998, Barbara hosted women from 79 countries at the World Energy Congress in Houston, celebrated by a spectacular fireworks display covering downtown Houston.
Barbara has served on the boards and chaired fundraising events for some of Houston’s largest organizations. She has been honored by the American Heart Association, the Cancer League, March of Dimes, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and the USO among others. She was named an Honorary Life Member of the Greater Houston Partnership, a Great Texan of the Year, one of Houston’s Women of Distinction, and the 2013 Pearl Award.
Barbara is a Life Member of the HLS&R. She is a member of the Trailblazer Committee, the International Committee, The Ladies of the Rodeo Society, part owner of the Magnificent 7 Parade Wagon and was one of the original Champagne Cowgirls. Barbara served as HLS&R First Lady from 1993 to 1995 during the time her husband, Don, was President. From 1996 to 1998 she supported the Show as Chairman’s Lady.
Barbara is a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church. She enjoys her grandchildren, traveling, art, shopping, and Rancho Milagro in South Texas, and she will never stop promoting Houston.