John L. Nau III

John L. Nau III is a graduate of UVA, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History.

He is a businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is the former chairman and CEO of Silver Eagle Distributors, which was previously the largest Anheuser-Busch distributor in the nation. For more than 40 years, he has served in leadership roles for many civic, community, and philanthropic organizations throughout Texas and the United States. 

A snapshot of Mr. Nau’s current appointments include chairman of the Texas Historical Commission, member of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors (also served previously from 2011 to 2015), and National Park Foundation Board of Directors. He also serves on the American Battlefield Trust Board of Trustees, Baylor College of Medicine Board of Trustees, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors. He holds leadership positions within several political organizations and currently serves as co-chairman of the Associated Republicans of Texas Board of Directors. His knowledge and interest in American history and historic preservation led to his former       appointment as chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation by President George W. Bush.

Mr. Nau lives in Houston, Texas. He was most recently appointed to the Board of Visitors by Governor Youngkin in 2023.