HOUSTON, TX.- After six extraordinary years of leadership as Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, Cornelia Cullen Long today announced the Board’s unanimous selection of Richard D. Kinder as her successor. The vote took place at the Annual Meeting of the Board. Mrs. Long will continue in her capacity as a Life Trustee, and will move into a new role as head of the future capital and endowment campaign for the Museum’s planned campus redevelopment.

Cornelia Long commented, “Rich has been deeply engaged with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and in particular its educational and civic mission, for 25 years. I cannot imagine a stronger leader for the Museum as the institution begins this next chapter of its growth and its commitment to the city and people of Houston.”

“Cornelia has inspired us all with her leadership, and it is a great privilege for me to follow as her successor,” said Richard Kinder. “I look forward to helping guide the Museum’s future over the next three years, together with the members of an exemplary Board of Trustees and with Director Gary Tinterow, whose exciting vision for the Museum’s program and strong commitment to the Museum’s public engagement have energized us all.”

Mr. Kinder, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Kinder Morgan, is a Life Trustee of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. He has been Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee and has served on the Executive and Finance Committees since becoming a trustee of the MFAH in 1988; he chaired the search committee that recruited Director Gary Tinterow in 2011. He and his wife, Nancy, are widely known for their philanthropic roles across a broad spectrum of areas, including urban greenspace, education and quality of life issues. The Kinder Foundation Education Center at the MFAH, which provides resources for and outreach to educators and the public, was established through their generosity.

During Mrs. Long’s six years as Chairman, she led the Museum through transformative changes, including the transition following the death of longtime director Peter Marzio. During more than 30 years as a member of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Long has served on every committee of the Board. She and her husband, Meredith, have supported nearly every Museum fundraising initiative, including capital projects and operations and acquisitions endowments. In recognizing her tenure, the Board passed a resolution appointing Mrs. Long Chairman Emeritus.

In acknowledging today’s announcement, MFAH Director Gary Tinterow noted, “All of us recognize the sound guidance that Rich Kinder has provided over a broad range of capacities on the MFAH Board, most recently as chair of the Long Range Planning Committee. We are profoundly grateful to Rich for ensuring a strong transition from the distinguished governance that Cornelia Long has provided in her tenure as Chairman.”