Nominating Organization: Center for Pursuit

Title: Retired

Dr. Vernus Swisher has been dedicated to serving the community and beyond. He performed years of volunteer service with the United Way of Houston, was selected United Way Volunteer of the Year in 1985 and was one of the founders of Project Blueprint. He was one of the founders of Leadership Houston which brings leaders from different communities to increase dialogue, and foster collaboration on projects that improve the quality of life for all Houstonians. This is vital now as leaders are exposed to civil issues that they may be unaware of and are inspired to expand their involvement within the community. Both of these organizations increase diversity within leadership roles on nonprofit and public sector board and committees to improve life for all Houstonians. He has served on numerous boards including Chair of the Mayor’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, United Way of Greater Houston, Houston Food Bank, United Negro College Fund Advisory Board, College of Biblical Studies, Houston Graduate School of Theology, and the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation Board. Dr. Swisher served as the Executive Director for Hester House in Houston’s Fifth Ward community and served as CEO for Career and Recovery Resources, Inc.

He has received numerous awards such as: Houston Community Leadership and Success Honoree, Barrier Breaker Award, The Delbert and Carol Vaughn Alumnus Award from the Houston Graduate School of Theology, Mayor’s Disability Advocate of the Year, National Women of Achievement Visionaries of Excellence Award, and Texas Southern University Humanitarian of the Year.