Linda was born and grew up in central Florida, graduating from Florida State University with a double major in Political Science and Home Economics. Linda is quick to credit her fund raising successes to her parents’ lifelong example of community responsibility and the countless committee members who have served on her project teams.
The diversity of Linda’s interests are reflected by her service on the boards of The Junior League of Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Symphony, Houston Zoological Society, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Salvation Army and by becoming a founding member of Houston Ear Research Foundation and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Linda has been responsible for setting fund-raising records as well as memorable precedents including: the funding and construction of the Houston Police Officer Memorial; the Houston International Festival Gala honoring Mexico; the statewide 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Salvation Army; Miss Ima Hogg 100th Birthday Celebration at Bayou Bend; the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the chartering of Rice University; co-chaired the Texas Sesquicentennial Celebration at the San Jacinto Monument with over 250,000 people attending; chaired the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System Circle of Life Gala, which raised $1.7 million with 1,600 in attendance; co-chaired the Leadership Committee to raise funds for the Maxine Mesinger Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist Hospital (with $2.5 million raised); co-chaired the Smithsonian Exhibit at George R. Brown Convention Center; chaired the Opening of the John P. MoGovern Houston Museum of Health & Medical Science with Honorary Chairs President & Mrs. George H.W. Bush; co-chaired with Maxine Mesinger five gala evening for AmFar; co-chaired the Billy Joel and Elton John Concert fundraiser at Rice Stadium to raise funds for Rice University Athletics scholarships; co-chaired the 75th Commencement Gala for Rice University; chaired the official City of Houston event honoring Their Royal Highnesses King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Sylvia of Sweden; chaired the Museum of Fine Arts Ball; and chaired the Junior League Ball.
Awards presented to Linda include: Distinguished Service Award, Houston Symphony; Texas War on Drugs citation, Governor of Texas; Two-time Woman of Distinction Award, Cancer League Pacesetter of the Year; Volunteer of the Year, Women’s Fund for Health, Education and Research; March of Dimes/Houston Chronicle Best Dressed; and the first Jerry Bartee Humanitarian Award.
Linda and her husband, Dr. Walter McReynolds, have two daughters, Merritt and Larkin. Like her parents, Linda is setting an example of volunteerism for her daughters.