Blair Abernathy (UT-Austin 2001) joined the Terry Foundation team in 2018. Under her previous title, Vice President of Finance and Administration, and with her new title of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), she manages the financial and accounting, administration, human resources, and information technology program support functions of the Terry Foundation.
She serves as the Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary of the Terry Foundation and the Terry Scholars Fund.
Additionally, Blair collaborates with the Foundation’s President and other staff directors to support the Foundation’s programming and organizational culture.
Throughout her time as a Terry Scholar, Blair has honored her pledge to give back by serving on interview panels, attending events, providing career advice and mentorship, serving on the Alumni Advisory Board, and serving as an officer for the Houston TSAA Chapter.
Blair is a fixture at Terry Banquets, Picnics, Alumni Luncheons, and Interviews, and many Scholars have likely visited with her at service events and socials both inside and outside of Texas.
She reflects:
It is difficult to put into words the depth of gratitude I hold for the Terrys and the exponential positive impact their legacy continues to generate in this world. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to utilize my education and talents to serve the Foundation and Terry Community in a full-time capacity. I am greatly humbled by the opportunity to serve the Terry Foundation as Vice President and CFO, and I carry these titles with great honor and responsibility. I strive to serve the organization with my time and talents to honor Mr. Terry’s Legacy and help steward the Foundation’s resources into perpetuity.
Yvonne Moody, Foundation President and CEO notes:
The recent change to Blair’s title is reflective of the continued growth and evolution of the Terry Foundation. When Blair first joined the team, she inherited the accounting and administrative functions previously held by Robert Parker. At that time, the Foundation’s accounting work was done externally by former Legacy Board Member John Storms. In preparation for Mr. Storms’ retirement, we transitioned all accounting work in-house and moved to a new vendor for tax compliance.
In subsequent years, the Foundation Board of Directors also decided to engage in an external financial audit, which Blair now oversees. And then, with the creation of the Terry Scholars Fund, Blair’s additional responsibilities expanded to include accounting and board support for the TSF as well as for the Terry Foundation. Blair has been a great addition to our team, and I am very proud of her contributions to help grow the Terry Legacy.
"Blair has been a great addition to our team, and I am very proud of her contributions to help grow the Terry Legacy."
Yvonne Moody, President & CEO
“I am forever grateful to the Terrys for seeing me as a worthy investment and the resulting confidence and opportunities generated by that incredibly valuable gift…The Terry Foundation has been a deeply important part of my life since the moment I walked into that interview room as a terrified high school senior. I had no way of comprehending at that time the profound impact that 30-minute interview would have on my life, both personally and professionally.”
– Blair Abernathy (UT-Austin 2001)
Interview Panel with Mrs. Terry, 2005
