SVP, Community Affairs & Astros Foundation Executive Director
Emelda Douglas brings a transformative vision to her role as Senior Vice President of Community Affairs and Foundation Executive Director for the Houston Astros, joining the organization in February 2025 with a remarkable 25-year trajectory of philanthropic leadership and community development.
Douglas is responsible for strategically advancing the Astros¡¯ ambitious engagement mission. She oversees the Foundation¡¯s comprehensive approach to creating meaningful impact, developing innovative programs that provide educational, wellness, and recreational opportunities for youth, families, veterans, and others in need. Her responsibilities encompass managing key partnerships, designing and implementing the Foundation¡¯s giving strategy, driving fundraising and sponsorship initiatives, building organizational capacity, and executing projects that not only strengthen stakeholder connections but also elevate the Astros¡¯ brand as a socially responsible organization.
Douglas¡¯s professional journey is a testament to her deep commitment to community transformation. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions at some of Houston¡¯s most impactful nonprofit organizations. At Greater Houston Community Foundation, she served as Vice President of Community Investment, managing grant-making initiatives and supporting the organization¡¯s assets from $1.5 million to over $100 million. As Senior Vice President at Baker Ripley, she was instrumental in managing a multi-million dollar annual operating budget and driving significant organizational growth, including a $40 million merger and a $25 million capital campaign.
She also served as Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Houston, a national breast health organization and Chief Development Officer for Houston Defender, a leading Black media group. Since 2016, she has also operated E. Douglas Strategies, LLC, a nonprofit management and fundraising consulting firm that has become a partner of choice for small to mid-sized organizations seeking strategic growth and capacity building.
A native of Galena Park, TX (east Harris County), Douglas is deeply rooted in the local community. Her professional credentials are complemented by her educational background ¨C a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University and certification as a Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Her leadership development includes prestigious programs like Texas Executive Women and the Center for Houston¡¯s Future.
Douglas¡¯s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2013, she was named one of Houston¡¯s ¡°Top 30 Most Influential Women,¡± a reflection of her significant impact in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. Her community involvement includes active participation in organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
She and her husband have two adult children, and they enjoy family travel and watching collegiate and professional sports together.