The Houston Bar Foundation marked its 26th year of service with an Annual Meeting and Luncheon held January 22 at The Houston Club. The luncheon not only commemorated the installation of new officers, but also recognized the contributions of volunteers who provide pro bono legal representation and other services to the community.

The keynote speaker was Houston Mayor Bill White, who spoke about the impact of community volunteerism, particularly within the legal profession.

Stewart W. Gagnon of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. became the 2009 chair of the Houston Bar Foundation, succeeding Debra Tsuchiyama Baker of Connelly•Baker•Wotring LLP. Other new officers are S. Jack Balagia, Jr. of Exxon Mobil Corporation, vice chair; and Jarvis V. Hollingsworth of Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP, treasurer. Baker will continue to serve on the board as immediate past chair.

New directors for 2009-2011 are Janet Langford Kelly of Conoco Phillips; William C. (Bill) Lowrey of Shell Oil Company; and John Eddie Williams, Jr. of Williams Kherkher Hart Boundas, LLP.

Completing terms as directors for 2008-2010 are Christine LaFollette of Akin Gump Straus Hauer & Feld LLP; Rocky Robinson of Andrews Kurth LLP; and David Sterling of Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker presented the Foundation’s annual awards for pro bono services through the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program (HVLP), volunteer mediation services through the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC), and legal writing in The Houston Lawyer, the HBA’s professional journal.