Just because Florence Shapiro is no longer worried about running for office, it doesn’t mean she’s sitting at home doing jigsaw puzzles. Heck, no!
The former Texas State Senator, former Plano City Councilman and former Plano mayor has been busier than ever helping nonprofits by serving on such boards as Communities Foundation of Texas, AT&T Performing Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development and the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Engagement at the University of Texas to mention a few.
But one board holds a very personal place in her priorities. It’s the Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance. The reason? Florence’s parents were Holocaust survivors.
Not surprising, her involvement with the Museum has led to her serving as the vice president of the board of directors. Word has just arrived that she will serve as Chair-Elect of the board eventually succeeding Chair Stephen Waldman in 2017.
Another change in the board’s make up is the addition of businessman Nicholas Pournader as a member.
According to Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance President/CEO Mary Pat Higgins, “We are so pleased to welcome these new additions to our board and look forward to Senator Shapiro’s and Mr. Pournader’s leadership and insights in the continued development of our museum. Their backgrounds and breadth of knowledge will be invaluable as we grow the museum and build a new permanent home.”
BTW, this is a great time to visit the Museum. Ground Zero 360 just opened earlier this month. It’s a “powerful opportunity to pay tribute to the first-responders and the victims of 9-11.” Thanks to funding by Communities Foundation of Texas, D/FW-area first responders will be admitted free-of-charge.