Meet Judy Dubose
A Common-Sense Voice for Baytown’s Future
Veteran
Nonprofit Leader
Global Advocate for Veterans' Reintegration
Judy Cushman DuBose is a United States Army veteran, military widow, and a lifelong advocate for service, leadership, and innovation. Her husband, Major William DuBose, died on active duty in 1987, giving Judy a dual perspective as both a soldier and a surviving military spouse—an experience that has shaped her life and career.
With over 40 years of professional experience across military, corporate, nonprofit, and academic sectors, Judy has built a legacy of breaking barriers and building solutions. From graduating as the Honor Graduate in Army Basic Training to becoming one of the first female manufacturing supervisors at General Motors, Judy has consistently forged new paths.
Pioneering Work in Nonprofit and Public Service
Judy is widely recognized for her visionary work designing and leading impactful nonprofit initiatives. Key achievements include:
● U.S. Olympic Committee: Developed the Community Olympic Development Program in Texas, supporting elite athletes and securing in-state tuition for out-of-state competitors.
● City of Houston: Founded and implemented the Houston Health and Human Services Foundation—the only municipal nonprofit of its kind in the U.S.—to support critical public health programs.
● Public-Private Partnerships: Known nationally for creating innovative collaborations that strengthen communities and nonprofits alike.
Global Leadership and Advocacy
In recent years, Judy has taken her work to the international stage:
● 2021: Received the Army Meritorious Public Service Medal, with recognition from Senator Ted Cruz, State Senator Mayes Middleton, and the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
● 2023: Presented her veteran rehabilitation and reintegration program at the USIDHR conference in Romania, leading to her appointment as State of Texas Delegate to the United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights.
● 2024: Spoke at the European Parliament on Ukrainian female veterans’ policy. Her program, developed with Zhytomyr State Polytechnic University (Ukraine), is now being implemented internationally.
● 2024: Received the USIDHR Legacy Award for supporting over 5,000 international veterans and individuals.
● 2025: Completed multiple teaching trips to Ukraine and was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Global Veteran Advocacy.
Education and Professional Certifications
● B.A. in Economics & Political Science, Methodist University
● M.A. in Management & Public Administration, Webster University
● Nonprofit Executive Management Certificate, Georgetown University
● Certified Public Manager, William P. Hobby School of Public Policy, Texas State University ● Certified Fund Development Manager, Rice University
Earlier Recognition and Military Honors
Judy has been recognized with numerous awards throughout her career, including: ● American Businesswoman’s Woman of the Year
● Soldier of the Year
● GM Supervisor and Trainer of Excellence
She also received a special commendation from Lt. General Hank Emerson for providing emergency medical care during a mortar explosion at Fort Bragg:
“Throughout the day she executed her duties in an exceptional fashion during a time of heavy workload, confusion, and stress…”
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Judy is engaged to David Olivares Swain, a private pilot and retired chemical industry executive. They live in the Lakewood Neighborhood of Baytown, Texas, where she remains active in the community as a member of:
● Greater Houston Veterans Rotary Club
● Baytown Chamber of Commerce
● Houston Phi Mu Sorority Alumnae Group