MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors member Don Woo

Don Woo is president of Houston-based Mission Constructors, where he is principal-in-charge and directs the general management and operations of the firm, which provides construction management, value engineering and construction services throughout Texas. An active civic leader, he has been a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV) since 2010 and currently chairs its Development Committee. He received the 2006 Asian Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award, and in 2008, the Greater Houston Foundation named him an Outstanding Community Volunteer for his advocacy as a member of MD Anderson's Advance Team advisory board. Also that year, Woo was an honoree of the Gee Family Association Education Fund of Greater Houston. He received the American Jewish Committee Institute of Human Relations Award in 2010 and in 2017 was named a Junior Achievement Hall of Achievement Laureate. He and his wife, Nancy, have three children, all Rice University graduates: Christian, Class of 2013, and Lauren and Austin, Class of 2016. Their graduation on the same day their dad received his MBA there was a first in the history of Rice's business school. 

Resides: Houston, Texas (since 1964)
Education:

• Bachelor of Civil Technology, University of Houston
• Masters of Business Administration, Rice University

MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors Service:

• Chair, Development Committee (current)
• Member, Development Committee (2011-2016)
• Member, Executive Committee (current)
• Member, Clinical Operations and Competitive Assessment Advisory Group (current)

Advance Team Service:

• Member, 2002-2010
• Chair, 2008-2009

What three words best describe you?
Humble, loyal, determined.

Tell us about the Development Committee.
The Development Committee is an important componeny of MD Anderson's overall fundraising initiative. We engage and educate the membership on the institution's needs and priorities and also reach out to private and corporate entities to raise awareness of MD Anderson's research advances and how philanthropy can help drive progress. In addition to attending and hosting events, we connect with current and former patients, cultivating their interest in becoming involved with MD Anderson. Our goals also include referring patients, raising funds and securing philanthropy. 

What is most important in life?
Faith in God, family and friends.

How do you like to spend your spare time?
I enjoy spending quality time with family, having dinner with our dear friends, reading and keeping up with the market and current events.

How did you get involved with the BOV?
I began my involvement with MD Anderson through the Advance Team in 2002, focusing on kids and cancer prevention.

What has been most rewarding as a BOV member?
Although bittersweet, it is from referring friends and others with cancer from all over the country to MD Anderson. Hearing their wonderful experiences, with great results and hope for their futures, when they complete their cancer treatment is a priceless reward. Being a BOV member is being an ambassador of MD Anderson. 

Why do you support MD Anderson in Making Cancer History?
Over the years I have seen what cancer has done to friends and family members. If we can be of any assistance, we should do so with open arms. We have the best cancer research center in the world in our own backyard, and the future holds great possibilities. What a shame it would be not to assist in helping MD Anderson end this terrible disease so future generations will not have to face this burden.