The Heisman Trophy Trust announced the appointment of 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware and philanthropic leader Judy Belk to its Board of Trustees, adding two new members as the organization works to strengthen its governance and expand its philanthropic efforts. News of the appointment came Sept. 2
The appointments of Ware and Belk, who will both serve three-year terms, comes as Heisman continues to develop its year-round platform and increase its focus on youth leadership and opportunities through sports education.
“Our governance review made clear that adding additional talent and new perspectives would meaningfully strengthen the Board and help advance our mission,” said Marva Smalls, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. “Andre’s lifelong connection to the game and Judy’s national leadership in philanthropy will help ensure our governance reflects the full breadth of Heisman’s mission — celebrating excellence on the field and empowering future leaders off it.
Ware made history during his 1989 season at the University of Houston, setting 26 NCAA records, including single-season records for passing yards (4,699) and touchdowns (46). His performance earned him the 1989 Heisman Trophy, making him the first Black quarterback to win the award. He was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
After his playing career in the NFL and Canadian Football League, Ware transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a college football analyst for ESPN and a radio analyst for Houston teams. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Outside of broadcasting, Ware co-founded the Brothers in Arms Foundation with fellow Houston quarterbacks Warren Moon and Vince Young. With all three founders raised by single mothers, the organization financially assists budding student-athletes from single-parent households.
Belk brings extensive experience in philanthropy and social change. She spent nine years as president and CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, where she oversaw a $1 billion endowment and approximately $65 million in annual grantmaking. During her tenure, she led initiatives focused on women’s health, mission-related investing and gun violence prevention.
The appointments build on a period of change for the Heisman board. Dan Reed, formerly Vice President of Global Media at Meta, was appointed to the board in January 2022 and became chair in January 2026. He succeeded Mike Comerford, who stepped down after 25 years as a trustee and continued as vice chair.
Since becoming chair, Reed has helped lead Heisman’s rebrand by committing to building a year-round digital and social media presence, creating new initiatives like “Heisman Hopefuls,” and renaming the brand to simply “Heisman,” with all philanthropic efforts operating under “The Heisman Foundation.”
“Judy and Andre add so much to Heisman’s Board and will directly aid in our top priorities,” Reed said. He added that the board will “benefit hugely from Judy’s deep and impressive philanthropic and governance experience.” With Ware and Belk joining the board, Heisman is continuing to combine its longstanding connection to college football with a broader focus on youth empowerment.
Picture credit: Kelsey Nicole Nelson
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