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Dr. Barbara Hebert is the fifteenth president of the Theosophical Society in America.

Early years and education

Professional career

Theosophical work

Dr. Hebert is a third-generation Theosophist. Her grandmother, Lois Burns, was especially active in lodge work and in supporting national organizations such as the Mothers' Research Group and its periodical, Mothers' Occult Digest.

Barbara Hebert became a member of the Theosophical Society on January 31, 1976, and has been a life member since November 14, 1987. She has been an active member of the Covington, Louisiana lodge for most of her life. From 2002-2005 and 2008-2014 she served as a district director of the national Society, and during 2005-2008 and 2014-2017 was vice-president. The committees in which she participated include Editorial Review, Financial Advisory, Audit, Ethics, Resolutions, and Theosophical Investment Trust. In 2017 she was elected as president, and has served in that role ever since.

Term as President of the Theosophical Society in America

Worked with ………foundation

A major challenge was presented in 2020 by the emergence of the Covid-19 epidemic. Dr. Hebert and the staff managed to keep most major functions operating smoothly throughout the crisis. Many people were able to work remotely, and all programs and meetings were conducted using Zoom software. Some staff members were furloughed in April, some for as little as two weeks, until the TSA's PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loan came through after intense efforts by the Financial Director, President, and Chief of Staff. The loan was forgiven - turned into a grant - when the TSA met all necessary requirements. During the Covid years of 2020-2022, the annual convention was conducted remotely. In-person programming and convention returned in 2023.

Stabilizing the financial base of the organization was always one of Dr. Hebert's chief goals.

Established position of Forsell - Lotus Circle Worked with the Kern Foundation bankers to change the fiscal year, which greatly simplifies administrative work related to Kern grants. Expanded use of social media and remote classes & lectures Hired professional conservators at Parma Conservation to restore the lobby murals Had House #3 remodeled and two large offices recarpeted

Additional resources

Video

The Theosophical Society's YouTube channel offers several recordings of lectures by Dr. Hebert. For a current list, see this link. Here are some titles from her lectures at the TSA headquarters:

There are also numerous episodes of video blogs.

Notes