William Howard White

William H. “Bill” White is an American attorney, business leader, and public servant with extensive experience in government, energy, and economic development. He served as U.S. deputy secretary of energy from 1993 to 1995 under President Bill Clinton and later as the 60th mayor of Houston from 2004 to 2010. As mayor, he led one of America’s largest cities through a period of substantial economic growth and earned national recognition for Houston’s response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

A graduate of Harvard University and The University of Texas School of Law, White began his career as an attorney with Susman Godfrey. He later held senior leadership roles in the energy and investment sectors, including as chairman of Howe-Baker Development Company and president and chief executive officer of WEDGE Group. He has also served in leadership positions with numerous civic, business, and policy organizations and authored America’s Fiscal Constitution: Its Triumph and Collapse.

White was among the founding members of USACC’s Board of Directors, bringing significant government and private-sector experience to the Chamber during its formative years. His background in U.S. energy policy and his involvement in developing energy projects in the Caspian region provided valuable insight as Azerbaijan opened its economy to international investment. Through his service with USACC, White supported the Chamber’s early efforts to connect American companies with opportunities in Azerbaijan and to strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, and investment.