Person attributes
Franci Neely is a distinguished retired corporate attorney and philanthropist based in Houston, Texas. With a career spanning over two decades in corporate law, Neely made her mark at Gusman Godfrey, L.L.P., a renowned law firm with offices across the U.S. Despite her substantial contributions in the legal domain, she views herself as a "recovering trial lawyer" who once aspired to be an actor, ultimately choosing to "perform in court."
Post-retirement, Neely shifted her energies to her true passion—philanthropy, with an emphasis on the arts. She has been instrumental in fostering Houston's art scene, co-founding the Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS), which produces an annual film festival spotlighting films about the arts and featuring Texan filmmakers. Under her guidance, HCAS also introduced Cinespace, a short film competition in collaboration with NASA.
Neely's dedication to the arts further shines through her active involvement with the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, where she's championed the visibility of Islamic works. Her foundation has supported various arts departments within the museum, and she established scholarships for young musicians in Nucleo London’s social action program.
Apart from her contributions to the arts, Neely has an ambitious goal: to visit every country globally. With her camera always ready, she's explored approximately 190 countries, capturing diverse cultures and landscapes.
A steadfast believer in impactful giving, Neely emphasizes the importance of discipline, vision, and compassion in philanthropy. She advises aspiring philanthropists to be proactive, establish a clear mission, and regularly verify the impact of their contributions.
Neely's definition of success is poignant and personal: it's about reaching hearts, fostering understanding, and building community. Her favorite quote by Winston Churchill encapsulates her philosophy: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
