The San Antonio Movers and Shakers Show honors John and Debbie Montford for their livelong commitment to giving back to the community through both entrepreneurship and philantrophy. Below is an article that appeared in Philantropyh Magazine about this dymanic pair.
Perhaps it's no coincidence that San Antonio has taken off like a rocket since John T. Montford and his wife Debbie landed in the Alamo City in 2001. Montford, AT&T's senior vice president, Western States, points to the significant growth of San Antonio-based corporations, including Valero Energy, Clear Channel Communications, Toyota, and most recently, SBC's acquisition of AT&T, making San Antonio headquarters for the global communications corporation. As the outgoing chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the incoming chairman of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, Montford told civic leaders and the business community, "Great cities earn their place in history by what they accomplish through strong leadership, a shared vision, and united execution of that vision. Dynamic cities nurture their symphonies, their museums, and their visual and performing arts. Exceptional cities have great research universities, which excel in the humanities, sciences, and engineering. Most important, outstanding cities have strong visionary leaders and a large cadre of committed volunteers."Nothing could more aptly describe the philanthropic causes to which the Montfords have dedicated themselves and continue to actively support. John T. and Debbie Montford truly personify the term "dynamic duo." As a Texas senator for 14 years, Montford enjoyed a distinguished designation from Texas Monthly magazine when he was voted one of the Top Ten best legislators in Texas five times. During his term as senator, Montford was appointed chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and chairman of the Senate Affairs Committee, and he was also elected president pro tem for the 73rd Legislative Session.Following his Senate career, Montford served five years as the first chancellor of the Texas Tech university system. Montford, who was hired to "raise money and put the school on the map," more than delivered. He was successful in raising significant funds for Texas Tech University and was named Chancellor Emeritus in honor of his outstanding leadership. As chancellor, he surpassed an initial $300 million capital campaign goal, raising the total to $511 million, thereby significantly enhancing education for tens of thousands of future graduates. Also during his tenure as chancellor, Montford initiated the first new pharmacy school in Amarillo and sought to expand the medical school in El Paso. In addition, the Carnegie Foundation listed Texas Tech in the top category as a research university."I actually hired some good shoe salesmen to work on the project," says Montford, who clearly understands what it takes to work in the trenches. "I made 367 development calls in less than four years," explains Montford, in describing his successful capital campaign for Tech.After leaving his indelible mark at Texas Tech, Montford relocated to San Antonio to help lead one of the largest telecommunication companies in the country, SBC, now known as AT&T. Montford is the Senior Vice President of Western States State Regulatory and Legislative Affairs. His area recently expanded to 23 states.Debbie Montford quips, "This is how we have made our marriage strong. We've been married for 30 years, but with all the traveling, we have probably lived together for 10 years." The strength of their partnership has made them successful. "That's what you really have to have," says Debbie, who found her passion in campus beautification projects while at Texas Tech."The appearance of the campus is a deciding factor when students are choosing a college. Our beautification program was a nice complement to the capital campaign, and it also offered a menu of items to potential donors." She lends her leadership to the boards of the San Antonio Symphony and the Library Foundation Board. She's committed to helping out the Honors College at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) by co-chairing Great Conversations, the signature event to raise support for scholarships.One of Debbie's most passionate causes is the Texas Cultural Trust Council, which presents the Texas Medal of Arts award to distinguished Texas artists. Recent honorees include singer Willie Nelson, poet and writer Naomi Shihab Nye, writer Sandra Cisneros, and actor Fess Parker. Arts and education initiatives are always close to home for the Montfords. "I am very committed to this project," says Debbie. Philanthropy is practically 24/7 for the couple, who have three grown children and one grandson. "I get a lot of pillow talk about the Symphony," says John, who shares Debbie's interest in education and support for the arts."My passion is scholarships," he says “I feel strongly about supporting students and providing education for young people."Montford will serve as chairman of College for all Texans in 2006 and is planning to build on the $8 million already raised. He envisions raising $40 million to support the effort. John and Debbie have been recognized for their public service and for helping to raise nearly $2 million for UTSA scholarships.The two have cleverly turned several traditional university events into successful fundraisers for UTSA. "It's a responsibility to give back to the community. The whole idea of philanthropy is not just donating money, but volunteering to help mankind." says Debbie, indicating that her future philanthropic efforts will target arts and education causes on a state level.With their drive and dedication, the Montfords are on target to achieve an amazing goal – raising $1 billion in their lifetimes for the many charities they support in so many ways.
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