Jo Ann Petersen is a native Houstonian and a former Registered Nurse and Certified Public Accountant. As an RN, she worked in Methodist Hospital’s Neurological Intensive Care Unit and became a Neurological Nurse Specialist.
Later, St. Luke’s Hospital recruited her. She assisted doctors in the operating room, evaluated patients, wrote orders, gave neurology lectures, served as the Supervisor of 3 Intensive Care Units and helped design their first Neurological Intensive Care Unit.
Jo Ann graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BBA from the University of Houston and worked as a CPA at PriceWaterhouse. She retired and devoted her life to charitable volunteering. At Hunters Creek Elementary, she served as a PTA member, Auction Co-Chair and Cub Scout leader. In addition, for two years, she delivered a series of anatomy and physiology lectures.
In 1990, she founded Trees of Hope (TOH), which benefits Star of Hope. At TOH, she served as President, Treasurer, and Advisory Board member. In 2010, she was honored at the gala and remains involved with the organization, primarily helping with underwriting. She joined Covenant House Texas in 1990, which helps homeless youth. There, she served as Treasurer, President, Board Member, and Advisory Board Member. She served as Gala Chair three times and as Underwriting Chair for six years. Jo Ann was honored in 2002 and received the Rights of Passage Award in 2014.
In 1998, she chaired the Capital Campaign for Chapelwood United Methodist Church, raising $17,000,000. She joined VICTORY in 2002, co-chaired the Holiday Shopping Card, and later served as Treasurer and President. The Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce awarded her the Pillar of the Community. As a member of the Houston Junior Forum, she advised seniors on local and government resources for medical care, housing, transportation, and food.
As a board member of BRASS, she served as Chairman of the Selection Committee for research scholarships for Baylor MD/PhD students and currently serves as Secretary. With Ashley Petersen, she co-Chaired the Boys and Girls Harbor Fashion Show and the Gaston LeNotre Gala, which provides scholarships for culinary students. She is in the process of retiring from charity work.