Brian A. Bolinger was named the Chief Executive Officer of the Texas State Historical Association by the board of directors on October 11, 2014.

Selected after a national search, Bolinger’s appointment was unanimously approved by the board of directors. TSHA board members are an equal number of academics and non-academics united by a love of Texas history. Board members include board president John L. Nau III of Houston, president and CEO of Silver Eagle Distributors L.P.; Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Dallas, U.S. Senator 1993 – 2012; academics from major Texas universities, and business leaders and philanthropists spanning the state. A complete list of the board of directors and board member biographies are available.

TSHA president John L. Nau III expressed his confidence in Bolinger, saying, “On behalf of the Board, I welcome Brian to his new position as Chief Executive Officer of the TSHA. Brian’s experience in both startups and turn around corporate management provides the skills and leadership that are needed within today’s TSHA.”

The Association’s Chief Historian Randolph “Mike” Campbell introduced Bolinger with much enthusiasm. Campbell served on the search committee and stated, “Brian is intelligent and energetic, and he does not do anything halfway.”

Bolinger stated that he is honored to be chosen by the board of directors to lead the Association. "Along with a chance to work with Dr. Campbell and the Board, I look forward to opportunities to use proven business and non-profit strategies in furthering TSHA's objectives," he said. "I am excited to be associated with an organization so deeply involved with Texas history and hope to provide a solid foundation for building a bright future for TSHA."

A Texas resident for 14 years, Bolinger has an extensive business background. During his 16 years in senior management, he has taken leadership roles in strategic planning to build strong business models that led to success. He draws on considerable skills in contract negotiation, human resources, team building, and customer services. As an entrepreneur, he has provided management consultation to energy enterprises in the U.S. and Canada. Bolinger has served in senior management positions and has succeeded in building multi-million dollar electrical energy enterprises in the North Texas region, most recently with Apollo Power and Light in Denton.

In addition, Bolinger has demonstrated remarkable success in the non-profit sector serving the Vascular Birthmark Foundation for 11 years. Currently the international foundation’s vice-president, he has been on the board of directors for 7 years. The annual fundraiser he created in 2003, Angel’s Kiss, has become the VBF’s largest annual benefit program.

Originally from Elkhart, Indiana, Bolinger earned a B. A. in History at DePauw University while lettering in varsity football each year. He attended Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, where he earned a M. S. in Kinesiology and was named graduate student of the year. He then received a J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law.

Bolinger has begun his full-time position leading TSHA. As Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for representing the association at public and governmental functions, managing its personnel, leading strategic planning and other initiatives of the Board of Directors, and developing and implementing the association's annual budget and fund-raising activities.

The 2014 Texas Independence Relay will be held March 29 -30, 2014.

After a triumphant finish in the 2013 race and with your generous support, Team TSHA
will compete again in the Texas Independence Relay to benefit TSHA's Handbook of Texas Online.

Covering 200 miles from Gonzales to the San Jacinto Battleground, Team TSHA will run day and night on March
29 – 30, 2014. Support the team, the Handbook, and the Association with your
pledge or donation. Follow the race and cheer on the team as live updates are posted.

Find out more about Team TSHA in the Texas Independence Relay.

Image of triumphant Team TSHA 2013 at San Jacinto.