Founder and Chair Board Member
Erwin A. McGowan is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate who has proudly served Houston’s historic Fifth Ward and Denver Harbor community for more than 30 years. His decades of service have given him a deep understanding of the families, businesses, and challenges that shape the community he calls home.
As Founder of The McGowan Foundation Corporation, Erwin is transforming decades of leadership and service into lasting impact by advancing financial empowerment, healthier living, education, and access to opportunity.
His vision is clear: strengthen families, invest in people, and build a legacy of opportunity that lasts for generations.
Board Member
Meredith Schaefer has called Houston home for more than 30 years and feels incredibly fortunate to have built her life and career in this community. Her professional background in security and affordable housing has given her the opportunity to see firsthand both the challenges people face and the incredible impact that can happen when a community comes together to help.
Meredith believes that everyone can contribute – whether it’s time, ideas, opening doors, or utilizing the relationships you’ve built to help others. She is honored to serve on the board of The McGowan Foundation and hopes to contribute in whatever ways she can to lift up individuals, families, and communities across Houston.
Above all, Meredith is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the city she has called home for so many years.
Board member
Beverly Baxter, a veteran‑owned insurance and community education firm serving individuals and families across multiple states. She specialize's in Medicare, life insurance, group benefits, and resource navigation — always leading with education first.Her goal is to help clients understand their options clearly, make confident decisions, and access programs that support long‑term stability and well‑being.
She also served 8 years active duty and 2 years reserve. She is a graduate from McNeese State University with her Bachelors of Science in Accounting. She enjoys serving others and prides herself on being a people person. Education has always been the heart of everything she does. She is also am the proud mother of 3 sons and three grandchildren. Her hobbies are spending quiet time with her family, serving God and singing in the choir.
Kingsley McGowan is an entrepreneur, product and AI leader, and former professional athlete who brings a unique combination of innovation, business strategy, technology, and leadership to The McGowan Foundation.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Master of Science in Design, Technology, and the Business of Innovation from the University of Southern California (USC). His professional background includes building and leading ventures as a founder, including successfully exiting a company, as well as continued work in product development, artificial intelligence, and emerging technology.
A former elite rugby athlete and two-time D1A National Champion and three-time unanimous All-American, Kingsley understands the discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership required to perform at a high level.
As a Board Member, Kingsley brings an innovative and entrepreneurial perspective to The McGowan Foundation, helping strengthen its strategy, long-term growth, and ability to create meaningful opportunities for the communities it serves....
