The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation announces the retirement of president and CEO Clyde “Tad” McKee after more than 33 years of dedicated service to the organization. McKee’s leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission of enriching the cultural and educational resources of Southeast Texas.
During his tenure, McKee oversaw significant enhancements to the Foundation’s institutions, including the Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, the Lutcher Theater and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. Under his leadership, these institutions flourished, increasing community engagement, educational outreach and program development, while preserving the rich heritage of the Stark family legacy.
McKee’s dedication to the Foundation is just one part of his remarkable commitment to serving Southeast Texas. His volunteer efforts span numerous organizations and causes, reflecting his deep commitment to the community. He has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 23, president of the Orange County Master Gardeners and chairman of Gateway Cities Pound. A dedicated member of the Orange Lions Club for more than 30 years, he has chaired the Front Gate Admissions Booth for their carnival for more than two decades.
His leadership extends to the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, where he had the honor of serving as chairman of the board in 2018. In addition, he served as the environmental representative to the Sabine River Flood Planning Group.
He currently serves as treasurer of the trustees at First Methodist Church in Orange and has been a board member of the Malloy Foundation for 31 years, including serving as immediate past chairman. Through this role, he has directly supported St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the American Red Cross and First United Methodist Church. His philanthropic endeavors include the Orange County Rotary Club, where he has been a member for eight years and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow for his financial contributions to Rotary Foundation’s Polio Eradication Campaign. His community involvement also includes the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation (TILF), where he has served on the board for more than 15 years and helps oversee the disbursement of scholarship dollars to more than 500 students attending colleges and universities throughout Texas.
In recognition of his outstanding service, McKee was recently named Orange County Citizen of the Year by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It has been an honor to serve the Stark Foundation and the community of Orange for more than three decades,” said McKee. “I am deeply grateful to have worked alongside a dedicated team that shares a passion for arts, culture and education. The Foundation is in great hands moving forward, and I look forward to seeing its continued success.”
The Foundation’s board of directors has elected current Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Staton to succeed McKee as the next president and CEO. Staton, who has been with the Foundation since 2011, was officially appointed during the Annual Foundation Board of Directors Meeting on February 20, 2025. With a strong background in financial management and strategic planning, Staton has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s programs and initiatives.
“Jennifer Staton’s deep understanding of the Foundation’s mission and her commitment to its future make her the ideal choice to lead us into our next chapter,” said Foundation Board Chair Deborah Hughes. “Her expertise and leadership will build upon the strong foundation that Tad McKee has maintained.”
Staton, an Orange County native and graduate of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting, as well as a Master of Science degree in finance. Staton, with more than 24 years as a certified public accountant, has worked in public accounting in both Houston and Southeast Texas. She began as a senior accountant with the Stark Foundation, and since 2017, has served as CFO and treasurer, as well as a member of the board of directors. Staton was recently appointed to the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Staton expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to guide the Foundation into the future. “I am honored to step into this role and continue the remarkable legacy of the Stark Foundation,” said Staton. “Tad’s leadership has left an enduring impact, and I look forward to working with our team and the community to further our mission.”
McKee will officially retire at the end of March, allowing for a seamless transition of leadership and will continue his legacy at the Stark Foundation by serving on the board of directors.
The Foundation will host a private celebration to honor his legacy and contributions.
The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation is a private operating foundation established in 1961 to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas. The Stark Foundation seeks to continue the legacy of its founders through the programs of: The Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, as well as the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, a qualified scholarship program for public high school students in Orange County, Texas. Programming is designed to create, and build upon, an appreciation within the community for the fine arts, Stark family history, the performing arts, environmental stewardship and public speaking.
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