$70 million university donor, sports team owner Tilman Fertitta nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Italy

Houston Rockets owner and Landry’s, Inc. CEO Tilman Fertitta is preparing to step down from the University of Houston System Board of Regents, marking the end of a 16-year chapter defined by transformative growth, bold leadership—and $70 million in personal philanthropy to the university.

Fertitta’s resignation comes as he awaits confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, signaling a shift from boardrooms to diplomacy.

Though the University of Houston has not yet received his formal resignation, a letter to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics strongly suggests his departure is imminent.

Appointed to the board in 2009 by then-Governor Rick Perry and reappointed twice by Governor Greg Abbott, Fertitta has served as chairman since 2014. Under his leadership, UH secured ‘Tier One’ national research status, significantly expanded its endowment, and joined the Big XII athletic conference.

Fertitta’s personal giving includes a $50 million contribution to UH’s medical school—the city’s first in more than 50 years—and a $20 million donation to support athletics, which helped facilitate the university’s leap to a Power Five conference.

The gifts represent one of the most significant contributions in UH history.

Although Fertitta is stepping away from his educational leadership role, he will retain ownership of the Houston Rockets, even as he prepares for a high-profile diplomatic post in Europe.