News Summary
President Donald Trump has nominated Mindy Hildebrand as the next U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, highlighting her extensive business and philanthropic background. Currently Vice Chair of the Hildebrand Foundation and Vice President of Hilcorp Ventures Inc., Hildebrand is known for her contributions to education and community services. Her confirmation is pending approval by the U.S. Senate as she aims to protect American interests abroad.
Houston
President Donald Trump has officially nominated Mindy Hildebrand as the next U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica. The announcement was made on Truth Social, highlighting her qualifications as a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.
Mindy Hildebrand currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Hildebrand Foundation and is also the Vice President of Hilcorp Ventures Inc. Additionally, she owns and operates River Oaks Donuts, a popular donut shop in Houston that she opened in 2013. The shop has gained significant acclaim since its inception, as Hildebrand aimed to fulfill the community’s need for quality donuts.
In describing her qualifications, Trump stated that Hildebrand will “fight tirelessly to protect America’s interests abroad, especially in Trade and Immigration.” This aligns with her experience in business and community service, showcasing her capability to represent U.S. interests in Costa Rica effectively.
Background and Notable Contributions
Mindy Hildebrand is married to Jeff Hildebrand, the founder of Hilcorp Energy Company, which is recognized as the largest private oil company in the U.S. Jeff Hildebrand is known to be a billionaire and ranks among the wealthiest individuals in Houston. Their partnership extends beyond business as they are also noted for their philanthropic efforts.
Throughout their marriage, the Hildebrands have made substantial contributions to educational institutions. Notably, prior to her nomination, Mindy made a generous $20 million donation to the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, establishing the Hildebrand MBA program. The Hildebrand Foundation previously provided $25 million to the University of Texas’ Cockrell School of Engineering. Additionally, in 2014, they donated $32 million for the Equine Complex at Texas A&M University, which honors Jeff Hildebrand’s father.
Hildebrand is recognized for keeping a low public profile, remaining largely out of the media spotlight except for her philanthropic activities and recognition of their wealth. Her nomination as ambassador marks her emergence into a more prominent role in public service.
Political and Community Involvement
As a significant supporter of Trump’s presidential campaigns, Mindy Hildebrand has played a notable role in Texas Republican politics. During the 2024 election cycle, she was recognized as a top donor in Harris County, underlining her political influence. Her contributions and involvement in fundraising efforts for the Trump campaign have solidified her standing within the party.
This nomination makes Hildebrand the second Houstonian selected for an ambassadorship during Trump’s second term, following Tilman Fertitta’s nomination for U.S. Ambassador to Italy. This highlights a continued trend of recruiting prominent figures from Houston for key diplomatic roles.
Next Steps
The appointment of Mindy Hildebrand as U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica is pending the approval of the U.S. Senate, which must confirm all ambassadorial nominations before they can take effect. Hildebrand expressed her honor at receiving the nomination and is looking forward to advancing through the Senate confirmation process.
As the nomination process unfolds, many will be watching to see how Hildebrand’s business background and community engagement will influence her potential role in fostering U.S. interests in Costa Rica.
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Additional Resources
- PaperCity Magazine
- MSN
- Eater Houston
- Houston Chronicle
- Latin Times
- Wikipedia: Mindy Hildebrand
- Google Search: Mindy Hildebrand
- Google Scholar: Mindy Hildebrand
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mindy Hildebrand
- Google News: Mindy Hildebrand
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
