Local business and community leaders are remembering Mary Rose Brown, former Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of NuStar Energy, as a servant leader who lifted up others and championed causes that made San Antonio a better place to live, work and play.
Under the tutelage of business legend Bill Greehey, Brown helped shape the corporate culture of both NuStar and Valero, which prioritized putting employees first and giving back to their communities. She had a lasting impact on the thousands of people who worked there and the tens of thousands of individuals, families and children across the community who benefited from the tremendous philanthropic and volunteer efforts she led.
"Mary Rose was a remarkable mother, grandmother, sister, friend, leader, mentor, volunteer and philanthropist," Greehey said. "No one was smarter, kinder or more generous than Mary Rose. She had the biggest heart as she truly cared about others more than she cared about herself. Out of all her achievements, she was most proud of her children as they have grown into amazing adults who embody her caring spirit. Mary Rose was my best friend, and she will be missed by everyone who knew her and those who were touched by her incredible commitment to our community."
A major proponent of the Greater San Antonio Chamber, Brown was a Tribute to Women Business Leaders award honoree and former chair and a graduate of Leadership San Antonio. She was known for working tirelessly to further the mission of nearly every nonprofit organization in San Antonio and working alongside Greehey to raise over $100 million to establish Haven for Hope and millions of dollars more to sustain its operations.
“Mary Rose was admired by many and renowned as a trailblazer in both business and philanthropy,” said Laura Vaccaro, CEO of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation and chair of the 2024 Tribute to Women Business Leaders. “She left an enduring legacy that will be remembered fondly by the many San Antonio leaders who were privileged to call her a friend, colleague, and mentor.
“She taught us the value of advocating in local elections, recognizing the outstanding contributions of female leaders who expected no praise, and executing fundraising events with extraordinary care and elegance. She worked passionately and tirelessly in countless ways throughout the community whether it was in support of single mothers at Haven for Hope or to ensure San Antonio’s Tri-Centennial was celebrated. Those who served with her annually as part of the Chamber’s Tribute to Women Business Leaders committee will proudly honor her legacy by carrying the torch forward with the grace, fortitude and caring that she taught us all. She was a force of life and love and nature that we will never forget,” said Vaccaro.