A native of Austin, Winell Herron has made Houston her home for more than a decade leading H-E-B’s public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs initiatives throughout the state and in Mexico. She also directs the company’s philanthropic strategies to address hunger relief, education, health, diversity and the environment.
While generosity is part of her corporate role, Winell embodies H-E-B’s charitable philosophy and Spirit of Giving through her personal commitment to Houston’s diverse non-profit community. She considers it a blessing and an honor to be able to give back. Her commitment to move beyond financial support to activism strengthens the heart of each cause and makes a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others meeting today’s needs and influencing the future.
Winell actively serves the community through her role on numerous boards including the Houston Zoo, Texans Care for Children, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Texas Lyceum and The Ensemble Theatre. She has also served on the March of Dimes, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto and Houston Area Urban League boards, and chaired the Texas NAACP Corporate Advisory Council. Winell also serves on the University of Incarnate Word Board of Trustees and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Board in San Antonio.
Houston has recognized Winell’s professional and personal efforts by selecting her as a Houston Woman on the Move; inducting her into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame; selecting her as a Houston Woman of Distinction; and naming her among the Top 25 Most Influential Women in Houston. She was also named a 2016 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed recipient and received the University of Texas at San Antonio Distinguished Alumnae award.
Winell holds a B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, completed the Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California and received an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Along with making a difference in the community, Winell’s other personal passions include her family, friends, traveling, music and reading. Winell and her husband William (Doug) recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.