Arthur Louis Schechter

Arthur L. Schechter served as the US Ambassador to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas from 1998-2001. He received a B.A. degree (1962) and LL.B. and J.D. degrees (1962-1964) from the University of Texas, Austin. He did post-graduate work at the University of Houston (1964-1965), and was admitted to the Texas bar in 1964. He has a distinguished legal background, and is licensed to practice in all Texas Courts; the US Supreme Court; the US Circuit Court for the Fifth, Eleventh, and Fourth Circuits; and the US District Courts for the Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. He has served on numerous Boards, including the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity; S.E.A.R.C.H. (Service to the Homeless); the Institute of International Education; the Southwest Region, Anti-Defamation League; the Mickey Leland Kibbutz Foundation; and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum Council to which he was appointed by President Clinton. He has served as President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Chair of The United Jewish Campaign, President of Congregation Beth Israel and President of the American Jewish Committee. He is a former Chairman of the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority. He is a founding member of the Theater Under the Stars and the Youth Symphony Board. He is a member of the Board of the Houston Forum.