Over the past two decades, Chree has been an integral part of Legacy’s fundraising efforts, raising more than $350 million for underserved communities. When Chree came aboard, the agency only had three locations; we now boast more than 55 locations across Southeast Texas, financed in large part thanks to her team’s fundraising efforts. In a historic milestone, Legacy recently received a $50 million gift from Houston Methodist, the largest in the agency’s history, to establish new clinics in Pasadena and Acres Homes.

She has led the marketing, human resources, and development teams while at Legacy. Chree earned her Bachelor of Arts in speech communications at Texas Tech University. Her first position after leaving Tech was at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, where she helped coordinate the 1990 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations, also known as the G7. From there, she moved to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center where she became the Executive Director of the Texas Cancer Pain Initiative and the Associate Director of Conference Services. As the Director of Development and Communications for Amigos de las Americas and Director of Development for Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (better known as CARE International), Chree traveled extensively and lived with families all over the world in need of assistance. She built latrines, helped administer vaccines, and planted gardens in impoverished communities in South America and South Africa.

Chree is committed to improving the lives of those living in the Greater Houston community. She has served as a Trustee for the M.D. Anderson Proton Therapy Center and on the Boards of Directors and Executive Committee for Performing Arts Houston and Theater District Houston. She is on the advisory committee for the Latin Women’s Initiative, and on the Board of Directors for the Southern Smoke Foundation, where she plays an important role on the Grants Committee with the American Cancer Society, CEO’s Against Cancer. Chree is a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where she serves as a member of the Wine Sales Committee. She was named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2018 by Houston Woman Magazine and recognized as a 2024 Women of Distinction by Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Houston.