HOUSTON – January 28, 2026 – ADL’s Southwest Region will recognize Ann B. Stern, President and CEO of Houston Endowment and Karl Stern, Managing Partner of Quinn, Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, and with the Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award Luncheon April 28, 2026 at the Hilton Americas Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010.
ADL Southwest presents this award annually to outstanding members of the legal community who exhibit a commitment to equality, justice, fairness and community service. The award is named in memory of the late ADL Board Chair Karen H. Susman, who was known as much for her dedication to improving the world around her as for her legal prowess, and the Sterns are incredibly deserving of the honor in her name.
Ann B. Stern has led the Houston Endowment as President and CEO since 2012, steering the 88-year-old foundation with a dedicated focus on equity of opportunity and community-centered solutions. A native Houstonian and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin for both her bachelor's and law degrees, Stern's career reflects a profound commitment to service and systemic impact. Before her current role, she served on the board of trustees for Texas Children's Hospital, later becoming its first general counsel and executive vice president, where she oversaw inpatient clinical operations and major initiatives. Her work at the hospital deeply informed her understanding of the impacts of poverty, inspiring her to champion cross-sector partnerships at Houston Endowment to address the region's most pressing issues and improve the quality of life for all residents. Under her leadership, the foundation’s assets have grown significantly, awarding over $1 billion in grants to support initiatives in homelessness, civic participation, educational equity, and access to cultural spaces.
Karl Stern is a prominent commercial trial lawyer and law firm leader, instrumental in founding and leading the Houston office of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP. A graduate of UT Law School, Karl dedicated three decades to Vinson & Elkins, holding senior leadership positions, including Managing Partner of its Houston office. In 2014, he embraced the challenge of establishing Quinn Emanuel's new Houston office, which has since flourished under his guidance, successfully recovering over $1 billion for clients and defending claims of comparable magnitude. Karl's contributions extend beyond his legal practice; as a young lawyer, he successfully prosecuted a pro bono challenge to the Texas Department of Corrections regarding inmates’ First Amendment rights. His commitment to pro bono work continued as Chair of the Houston Bar Foundation and through personally handling cases from pro bono divorces to death penalty appeals.
We truly are honored to present the 2026 Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award to Ann B. Stern and Karl Stern.
Both have distinguished themselves as visionary leaders in Houston’s legal and philanthropic communities, exemplifying a profound commitment to justice, equality, and service.
Individually, they have shaped our city for the better through their dedication and integrity.
Together as a couple, they embody the very spirit of community leadership, inspiring us all by demonstrating how personal success and deep civic responsibility go hand in hand.
Randi Sonenshein,
ADL Senior Regional Director of Texas and Oklahoma.
The luncheon will begin with a networking reception at 11:30 a.m. on April 28, with the program to follow at noon.
For more information about the luncheon and sponsorships, contact Mary Gentry-Roberts at [email protected].