BGR Annual Luncheon 2006

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Noon, Grand Ballroom

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

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guest speaker

Donald Powell

Donald E. Powell was named by President Bush as the Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding on November 1, 2005.  He has been tasked with coordinating the long-term rebuilding efforts for the region in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, aiding state and local leaders in reaching consensus on their plans and visions for the region and offering support as these rebuilding plans are being implemented.

Chairman Powell specifically oversees the rebuilding efforts in the areas of hurricane protection, housing, healthcare, education and economic development.  Acting as a continuous liaison between state and local and federal governments, he has been able to make great strides in these areas that are both tangible and critical to the long-term recovery of the Gulf Coast.

Since assuming the post in November, Chairman Powell has spent countless hours in the Gulf Coast working with the region’s state and local leaders and citizens on the rebuilding efforts.  He has led several successful initiatives to secure additional assistance for the region, including additional grants to rebuild housing and community infrastructure and aid to repair and strengthen the New Orleans-area levee system.

Prior to his new appointment, Powell served as the 18th Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  He served in that role from the date of his Senate confirmation on August 29, 2001 until November 15, 2005.

While at the FDIC, Chairman Powell left a strong imprint in a number of tangible ways. Under his leadership, the FDIC distinguished itself by promoting the stability of the nation's financial system; by developing, articulating and implementing sound public policy; and by demonstrating prudent stewardship of the deposit insurance funds.

In his FDIC role, immediately after the hurricanes hit the Gulf, Chairman Powell took quick and decisive action to assist banks and their communities. The FDIC, working closely with the other banking regulators, helped banks resume operations and provided around-the-clock information to consumers about how to access needed cash. The Chairman visited the area and met with bankers to see firsthand what challenges the Gulf region faces as it begins the rebuilding process.

A life-long Texan, Powell has close to 40 years of experience in the financial services industry as well as in community leadership. Prior to becoming FDIC Chairman, Powell was President and CEO of The First National Bank of Amarillo, which he started in 1997. He began his banking career in 1963 as Loan Officer and Secretary at the First Federal Savings & Loan of Amarillo. In 1971, he joined First National Bank of Amarillo, where he became Chairman, President and CEO.

He has served on a variety of boards, including Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System, Advisory Board Member of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, and Chairman of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce.

Powell also has a long history of community service, ranging from the City of Amarillo Housing Board to the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund and Cal Farley's Boys Ranch. He also has served on the boards of High Plains Baptist Hospital and the Harrington Regional Medical Center.  In 1986, Powell was named “Man of the Year” by the Amarillo Globe News and was later honored for his influential leadership throughout the Texas Panhandle when he was named one of the “100 History Makers of the High Plains for the Past Century.”  Powell was one of the youngest recipients to ever receive this honor.

Powell received his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from West Texas State University and is a graduate of The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.  Powell was born on May 2, 1941, in Perryton, TX. He and his wife, Twanna, have two grown sons and four grandchildren.

Individual reservations are $75; tables of ten are $750.

To make a reservation, print and return this form or

contact Mary Hogan at BGR, 504/525-4152, ext. 108.