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Texas: Governor Abbott Appoints Seven To Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council

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~ In a recent announcement, Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed seven individuals to the Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council for terms set to expire in 2028. The Council is responsible for conducting a thorough analysis of the impact of crime on victims, their families, and society as a whole.

Heather Ayala, a resident of Grand Prairie, has been reappointed to the Council. Ayala currently serves as the national director of victim services and volunteers for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. She is also a member of the National Organization for Victim Assistance. Ayala holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Nelson University (formerly known as Southwestern Assemblies of God University).

Melissa Carter, from Bryan, has also been reappointed to the Council. Carter is currently the victim assistance coordinator for the Brazos County District Attorney's Office. She is also the vice president and board member of Every Victim Every Time, Inc., coordinator for the Brazos County Domestic Violence High Risk Team, and a member of the Brazos County Sexual Assault Response Team. Carter received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Baylor University.

Hillary England, hailing from Pflugerville, has been reappointed as well. England serves as the deputy director of victim services and prevention programs in the Office of the Governor. Previously, she held positions as director of trafficking and sexual violence prevention programs and administrator for the Office of the Governor's Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force. England received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Yale University and her Master of Social Work from State University of New York at Buffalo.

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Dr. Matthew L. Ferrara, based in Austin, has been reappointed to serve on the Council. Dr. Ferrara is a self-employed forensic psychologist with previous experience as chief psychologist for both Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Correctional Institutions and Texas Department of Juvenile Justice. He is also a member of both Texas Psychological Association and the Association for the Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Abuse. Dr. Ferrara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Oklahoma State University.

Forrest Mitchell, a resident of Corpus Christi, has been reappointed to the Council. Mitchell is retired and was previously the director of operations for the Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office. He also served as chief inspector general for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Mitchell is a member of the FBI National Academy Associates and former member of both Leadership Command College Alumni Association and International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (IABPA). He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University.

Jeffery "JD" Robertson, from Wimberley, has been reappointed to serve on the Council. Robertson is currently a consultant with JD Robertson Consulting after retiring as a major with the Texas Rangers, where he served for over 27 years. He also previously served as Ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Robertson is a former member of FBI National Academy Associates, National Tactical Officers Association, and IABPA. He holds an Associate of Applied Science from Community College of the Air Force, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from University of Maryland, and Master of Science in Applied Criminology from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

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Lastly, David Schwartz, residing in Bellaire, has been reappointed to serve on the Council. Schwartz is retired pharmacist who is actively involved in various organizations such as Houston Area Pharmacy Association, Houston Promotional Products Association, Harris County District Attorney's Office Victim Advisory Panel, and Crime Stoppers of Houston. Schwartz received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from The University of Texas at Austin.

The Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council plays an important role in understanding the impact that crime has on individuals and society. These seven reappointments bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Council, ensuring that it continues to fulfill its duties effectively. Their terms are set to expire on January 31, 2028.

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