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Join us in our mission to be the voice of many animals in Texas that need our help!
BELINDA SMITH
President
Belinda is a retired Assistant District Attorney from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. She initiated the Animal Cruelty Section at the Harris County DAO in 2009 and prosecuted thousands of animal cruelty cases as Chief of the Section. She also currently serves as the Chair of the Houston Bar Association Animal Law Section.
GRACE CARTER
Vice President
Grace is currently the Host of a video series on TennisNow.com and is a Real Estate Investor. She spent many years as a TV News Anchor in Orlando and Philadelphia. Grace is an animal lover and feels very passionately about animal welfare issues.
CONNIE DOWLEN
Secretary
Connie has rescued many stray animals over the years. She is passionate about aiding animals who are in need and is super excited to support Paw and Order's mission!
THOMAS PALERMO
Treasurer
Thomas is a CPA and partner at Desroches Partners, LLP, where he provides tax and consulting services to high net worth individuals and their related businesses. He leverages his accounting background and experience with non-profits to assist in providing resources for Paw & Order. His family are the proud owners of two wonderful rescue dogs!
CAROLINA VELASQUEZ-GOMEZ
Communications Director
Carolina has a background in public relations, social media, branding, marketing, community relations, and media research. She is a multi-Entrepreneur in the Social Media Marketing Industry. She is eager to use her 19 years of experience with Paw and Order F.A.C.T. She is passionate about giving back to our communities and providing a voice for animals who need our help.
MARTHA MINNIS
Board Member
As a retired Harris County Prosecutor, Martha has a unique perspective on animal cruelty issues in Houston. She is glad to be on the board to help law enforcement become more effective in enforcing our animal cruelty laws as well as to assist rescues and shelters who are on the front lines of our fight to end animal cruelty.
CANDICE SANCHEZ
Board Member
Candice brings over 20 years of administrative and organizational experience to the board. She intends to utilize her skill set to the fullest in achieving our goals. She is an avid animal lover and supporter, and is very excited to be part of an organization that benefits the two and four legged members of the community.
ROBIN KLEMENT
Board Member
Robin is thrilled to be a member of the Paw and Order Board, working to prevent animal cruelty. She is honored to collaborate with fellow Board members and the community to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and those who care for them.
FRAN ORTIZ
Honorary Board Member
Fran is a Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law Houston and adviser to the school’s Animal Law Clinic. She has served as chair of the ABA’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section Animal Law Committee, the State Bar of Texas Animal Law Section, and the Animal Law Section of the Association of American Law Schools.
ANDREA ANDRUS KIBBE
Honorary Board Member
Andrea is the Principal of Andrus Communications, LLC, a boutique marketing communications agency serving small to mid-size clients in Houston. Andrea will utilize her expertise in marketing, public relations and brand-development to support Paw & Order.
VALERIE CORTEZ
Honorary Board Member
Valerie is a passionate supporter of all animals and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of animal cruelty victims in Houston.
SUZANNE HOLLIFIELD
Honorary Board Member
Suzanne was an Investigator at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and is a retired Senior Police Officer from the Houston Police Department. During her tenure at HPD, she was assigned to the Major Offenders Division and investigated hundreds of animal cruelty cases, which were ultimately prosecuted in both the State and Federal systems.
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