All In for Austin: Honoring Steve & Virginia Visser

The Visser's philanthropic journey has always been closely connected to the Chamber. As they began developing employee give-back programs, they saw how meaningful engagement could benefit not only employees, but ultimately their clients and the broader community. Through the Chamber and InterCity visits, they became more deeply involved in philanthropy and conversations around how businesses could find better ways to give back. Steve later served as the second chair of Austin Gives.

For the organizations they support, the Vissers' impact is often felt in the work behind the scenes. Sharon Vigil, CEO of Communities In Schools of Central Texas, remembers Virginia scooping ice cream for service staff and hand-packing gifts for team members before the start of the school year. She describes Steve as a “fixer” — someone who helps remove barriers so the team can stay focused on its goals and makes sure whatever needs to be done gets done.

At the American Heart Association, Virginia has been a passionate advocate for women’s heart health and a steady voice in leadership as board chair. Brad Wisdom, CEO of the American Heart Association in Central Texas, credits her commitment and leadership with helping the organization continue to thrive in Austin.

“Steve and Virginia’s commitment to Central Texas goes far beyond simply giving financially. When they decide to support a cause, they go all in. Even in retirement, they roll up their sleeves, do the hard work and do whatever it takes to make a difference in our community," said Bobby Jenkins, chair of Austin Gives.

From employee engagement and business leadership to hands-on service and long-term advocacy, Steve and Virginia have built a legacy of giving defined not simply by what they contribute, but by how fully they commit to the causes and communities they support.