In April 2012, the 34-year-old Asia Society Texas Center officially opened its headquarters, a beautiful building in Houston’s Museum District designed by famed Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi. But in less than a year, a good number of staff members who helped open the building were gone for various reasons—including its executive director. After an international search, the Texas Center has now announced its appointment of Bonna Kol as the new director. Senior Director of Development John Bradshaw, Jr. has been serving as acting executive director since March of this year and, when Kol assumes directorship in January, Bradshaw will add deputy director to his title.
Kol comes to Asia Society Texas Center most recently from KIPP Houston Public School, where she serves as chief advancement officer in charge of operations of development, marketing, community relations and advocacy for the organization. Prior to KIPP, Kol served as president and CEO of Catholic Charities for six years, one of the city’s largest charities. “Asia Society is at a pivotal point in Houston,” says Edward R. “Eddie” Allen III, Asia Society Vice Chair. “We are pleased to have an executive like Bonna Kol who comes to us with a strong track record of fundraising, management expertise, and nonprofit leadership to take the Texas Center into a promising new era.”