About the Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH)

Empowering Nonprofits. Strengthening Communities.

Our Mission

At the Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH), our mission is simple yet powerful:To strengthen nonprofits so they can achieve their charitable purpose.

Since 1984, we’ve partnered with more than 3,800 organizations, delivering high-impact, no-cost to low-cost consulting, workshops, and training to help nonprofits grow sustainably and serve effectively.Our network of highly experienced volunteers shares a passion for supporting nonprofit leaders — so you can focus on what matters most: your mission.

History

The Beginning

The Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) was founded in 1984 to offer management consulting services to nonprofit organizations through a highly skilled team of volunteer executives and professionals, many of whom were retired from major companies and partnerships.

Over the following decades, ESCH evolved into a diverse volunteer organization, delivering consulting services worth millions of dollars to more than 700 nonprofit enterprises across the seven-county Greater Houston region.

The concept for an Executive Service Corps originated in 1964 when the Lyndon Johnson administration established the International Executive Service Corps, a Peace Corps-like initiative for retired executives. Inspired by an idea attributed to David Rockefeller, this initiative aimed to deploy retired business experts to advise Third World nations on economic development.

In the U.S., the first Executive Service Corps was established in New York City in 1977 and soon spread to other major cities, forming independent units to serve nonprofit groups. Today, independent affiliates operate in approximately 35 cities.

The Houston group was launched in the 1980s by J.K. (Ken) Jamison, who retired in 1975 as chairman and chief executive of Exxon Corp. He recruited executives such as Randall Meyer, president of Exxon USA, who in turn recruited Roy Trusty, retired Exxon USA secretary, to serve as interim director without pay.

The Houston Executive Corps was chartered and incorporated in 1984. Its board included notable leaders like Howard Boyd, retired chairman of El Paso Co.; M.A. Wright, chairman of Cameron Iron Works and former chief executive of Humble Oil & Refining Co., the predecessor to Exxon; and executives from Shell Oil, United Energy Resources, Gulf Oil, and others. They began efforts to raise funds for basic expenses while most of the leadership served without compensation.

The first mission statement included these words:

- To assist nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and units of government within the Houston metropolitan area by providing free consulting services to help solve problems, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and develop capacity to implement new, more effective programs.
- To work with leaders in business, government, and nonprofit organizations to solve significant socioeconomic problems.

History

A New Benefit

It was found that the Corps also provided a healthy benefit to retired executives seeking satisfying challenges. Many retirees from the energy industry, who had spent most of their lives in highly active careers, had free time and proven skills to offer.

The board expanded as did the projects and consultants. By the end of 1985, the list of consultants totaled 36 and contributions reached $14,000. The following year ended with 43 projects and 65 consultants, a trend that continued with services expanding to finance, employee relations, information technology, planning, legal issues, and general management.

The major client categories included social service groups, cultural arts, and the City of Houston. Small colleges and healthcare groups were also clients. The first paid staff member was Barbara Lezar, a former manager of International Business at the Houston Chamber of Commerce.

In 1987, to protect volunteers, the Corps drafted a bill approved by the Texas Legislature, providing limited immunity from liability to volunteer officers, directors, trustees, and service volunteers to nonprofits.

By 1989, the Corps had 169 consultants serving 131 projects. That same year, it launched a one-time project to recruit retirees to become teachers, tutors, and helpers in public schools, in collaboration with the University of Houston and the Houston Chamber. Many of the 47 respondents became certified teachers and entered the profession full-time.

After five years of operation, the Corps received a $20,000 gift from the Wortham Foundation.

History

Challenges and Growth

The 1990s brought both progress and setbacks. Projects grew, but contributions and fees did not keep pace. A long-range plan was developed, new training for consultants was implemented, and efforts to increase public awareness were initiated. A new marketing strategy targeted schools, healthcare providers, city and county governments, and charity groups.

In 1993, nearly 10 years after its inception, the Corps faced a sharp decline in projects, members, and gifts. Tough questions were raised about services, professional skills, competition, and the advanced age of most members.

Fees for some services were introduced, and Pat Mora was named the first full-time and paid executive director. Other new leaders were installed, including a new board chair in 1996, Laura Nichol, senior vice president of Texas Commerce Bank. She was followed by Dale Klamforth of Drake Beam Morin Inc. in 1997 and Gerald Maxwell of El Paso Energy in 1998.

Major changes came in 1999 under Michael Grasley, former chair of Shell Chemical, who became chair of the board and led a marketing campaign to build strong recognition of the Corps. An aggressive program of client and prospect contacts was implemented, along with new training and recruiting activities. By the end of 1999, donations were rising to support an expanded program. Membership grew to 135, and projects increased to 196, a 27 percent rise from the previous year.

Consulting specialties now included board training, financial planning, advanced information technology, and strategic planning, among more than 20 specialties. The Corps was credited with providing over $1.5 million in services to nonprofit groups.

In April 2000, Pat Mora retired after 11 years of service, including six years as executive director. She was succeeded by Gayle McNutt, former vice president at Baylor College of Medicine. The budget had reached $132,000 against contributions of $136,000.

By 2001, management counseling programs expanded, with 160 representatives from 100 organizations attending 23 free seminars that year. At the year's end, Woody Madden of Exxon was named board chair, leading a board of 17 and an advisory group of seven. The following year, a consultant manual and a statement of professional standards were produced. Client feedback was gathered through questionnaires and interviews to assess strengths and weaknesses.

By 2003, the number of clients had increased by 58 percent, contributions rose, and the Executive Service Corps of Houston was recognized as a national leader in its field. Late that year, it received a $75,000 grant from the Houston Endowment, the largest single grant in Corps history.

Our History

Founded in 1984 by Ken Jamieson, former Chairman and CEO of Exxon Corporation, ESCH was born out of a simple idea — that the talent and wisdom of retired and working professionals could be harnessed to uplift the nonprofit sector.

Since then, ESCH has become a trusted partner for nonprofits across Greater Houston. By tapping into the deep expertise of corporate executives, consultants, and leaders, we’ve delivered millions of dollars in consulting value to organizations working to make Houston a better place for everyone.