2026 New Board Members

Texas Advocacy Project is proud to announce the appointment of four new members to its 2026 Board of Directors, and six who joined mid-2025.

CLICK A NAME TO JUMP TO THEIR BIO
New in 2026: Jenna Jackson  |  Adam Shaw  |  Amir Tabei  |  Alison Wilhite
Appointed Mid-2025: Riley Hawkins  |  Alex Martin  |  Diana Mehochko  |  Brian Prewitt  |  Whitney Whitmire

Jenna Jackson – Producer, 48 Hours at CBS News | Founder, P+R Creative Group

• Jenna Jackson grew up in Jacksonville, in the heart of East Texas, and then attended Sam Houston State University, where she developed her passion for reporting and storytelling. During college, she worked as a full-time newspaper reporter covering the Texas prison system, spending her days on Death Row, interviewing inmates – and then many nights covering their executions.  
• From there, she moved to New York, where she spent 15 years at CBS News, producing the documentary-style primetime crime show 48 Hours.  She was recognized with several awards and nominations during her tenure, including Peabody, Murrow and DuPont awards. In 2012, she won an Emmy for Outstanding Coverage of a News Story in a News Magazine for Grave Injustice, the story of Anthony Graves, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 18 years on Texas Death Row.
• During her time at CBS, she also authored a true-crime book published by Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books, Perfectly Executed. In 2012, she left CBS and helped launch Katie, the syndicated daytime show hosted by Katie Couric.  
• At the same time, she founded P+R Productions, a full service television and film production company with offices in Houston and Austin. The company’s first documentary, Tomato Republic, won a special jury award at the Dallas International Film Festival. Their second documentary, Until Proven Innocent, details the story of a wrongfully convicted mother, Hannah Overton, sentenced to life in prison for murder.  It won the Audience Award at both festivals where it was showcased – and premiered on ID Discovery.  
• For nearly four years, she went in house to run Communications and Branding for Quanta Services (www.QuantaServices.com), a Fortune 300 infrastructure solutions company. In 2022, she left and re-focused on growing her company, expanding to a full-service creative agency, providing PR, branding, social media and all forms of storytelling services.  
• She currently produces crime stories again for 48 Hours at CBS News/Paramount, runs P+R Creative Group (www.PRCreativeGroup.com) – and attempts to keep up with her 18-year-old twin boys’ schedules. She served as president of the board of Candlelighters (www.candle.org), a non-profit that provides emotional and financial support to kids with cancer and their families, for many years and recently rolled off. She is currently serving on the board of her alma mater, Sam Houston State University. Jenna and her husband, Brendan Gilbert, live in Houston – but visit between Austin and Fort Lauderdale, where their boys are currently living. 

Adam Shaw – USA Lead - Infrastructure & Capital Projects, Accenture 

• Adam Shaw serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas Advocacy Project (TAP), motivated by a deep commitment to ensuring that survivors of abuse, violence, and injustice have access to safety, dignity, and a voice when they need it most.Originally from Scotland, Adam has lived and worked internationally for much of his adult life. He moved to Australia in 2009, relocated to the United States in 2015, and has called Austin home since 2021.  
• These experiences have shaped his perspective on equity, community responsibility, and the importance of strong institutions that protect the most vulnerable members of society. Professionally, Adam is a senior leader in Accenture’s Infrastructure & Capital Projects practice, where he leads large, diverse teams delivering complex programs for public and private sector clients across the United States.  
• While his professional background is in building systems and organizations, his service on the TAP board reflects a personal commitment to supporting people—particularly survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking—who face systemic barriers to safety and justice.
• Adam brings to the board a focus on governance, strategic growth, and long-term sustainability, alongside a strong belief that advocacy organizations must amplify survivor voices and meet people where they are, especially in moments of crisis. He is driven by a desire to use his leadership experience, network, and platform to help TAP expand its reach and impact across Texas.  Adam and his wife, Anita, are raising their four children in Austin. Family is central to Adam’s values, and both he and Anita are active supporters of TAP’s mission, believing that strong families and safe communities are foundational to a healthy society. 

 

Amir Tabei – Chief Information Officer, Communities Foundation of Texas

• Amir Tabei is the Chief Information Officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, where he supports philanthropic and community-based work that improves lives across North Texas and across the state. 
• His background spans nonprofit operations, governance, and risk management, with a focus on building sustainable systems that help mission-driven organizations better serve people in moments of need. Amir brings a practical perspective on how organizations can operate responsibly, securely, and at scale, especially in resource-constrained environments. 
• He is deeply aligned with Texas Advocacy Project’s commitment to safety, justice, and dignity for survivors of abuse and is honored to support the organization through board service. Amir lives in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 

 

Alison D. Wilhite – Associate, Fullenweider Wilhite

• Alison has practiced family law in jurisdictions all over Texas for almost 30 years. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1992 and thereafter attended South Texas College of Law where she earned her J.D. Alison is the mother of two adult daughters, however, her favorite children are her two golden retrievers. She enjoys volunteer work and has supported various philanthropic organizations since her time at SMU. 

Riley Hawkins – Workday

Alex Martin – Cantilo & Bennett, LLP

• Alex Martin was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in Kingwood, Texas. Mr. Martin graduated with a B.A. in Economics and Government and a Business Foundations Certificate from the University of Texas at Austin in May of 2011. His undergraduate studies instilled him with an appreciation of governmental entities and an interest in the intersection of business, government, and the law. He received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in May of 2014.
• Since graduating from law school, Mr. Martin has practiced law with Cantilo & Bennett, L.L.P. He has over eleven years of experience in the management, administration, rehabilitation, and liquidation of insurance companies domiciled in various states and licensed to write various lines of business and related litigation.
• While in law school, Mr. Martin served as Executive Editor for the Texas Review of Law & Politics, served as a Teaching Assistant, and served as a Research Assistant. He also participated in various philanthropic efforts, including the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Rural Outreach Initiative. Before taking a position at Cantilo & Bennett, L.L.P., he interned for a bankruptcy boutique, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, the Supreme Court of Texas, and the Civil Medicaid Fraud Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office.
• Mr. Martin was admitted to practice before all Texas courts in November 2014 and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in June 2016. He was admitted to practice before all Pennsylvania courts in October 2024. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Austin Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Austin Young Lawyers Association, a subcommittee for the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, and the International Association of Insurance Receivers. He is also a fellow of the Austin Bar Foundation.
• When Mr. Martin is not focusing on his career or his involvement in the community, he enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking with his wife, a teacher for Austin Independent School District, spending quality time with their two young daughters, and playing with their two dogs. He is also an avid fan of Texas Longhorn football. 

Diana Mehochko – Retired-NCR Payment Solutions

• A retired multi-faceted C-level executive and entrepreneur with decades of success in the financial services, electronic transactions, payment services, healthcare and insurance industries. Mehochko began her professional career in the insurance industry as an accomplished sales representative at Metropolitan. She quickly transitioned to the financial services industry working at NCR Credit Corp. While there, Mehochko began to develop the connection between finance and operations, ultimately developing and structuring large, complex financing alternatives for the business environment. 
• Prior to retirement, Mehochko was the Chief Operating Officer for NCR Voyix Payments Solutions where she provided the overall direction of payments and payroll/HCM processing operations, focusing on process improvements, automation, service delivery excellence, and alignment and prioritization of integrated payments supporting strategic growth platforms.
• Mehochko used her vast experience in internal operations, business development, financial management and consulting services to oversee the company's operating activities during her tenure as the Chief Operating Officer at StrategicHealthSolutions. 
• In addition to establishing and running her own business, Mehochko brings vast experience and knowledge gleaned from overseeing as President, the eight year evolution and transition of First National Merchant Solutions, from a FNBO subsidiary, to a jointly owned independent, to its purchase by TSYS.
• In addition to her tenure at TSYS, Mehochko formerly served as Chase Merchant Services' Chief Operating Officer, where she oversaw strategic and daily operations functions. Earlier at Chase, Mehochko earned her advancement to the C-suite by successfully performing in various roles, critical to Chase's success, which included serving as Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President and Vice President, Director and Senior National Account Executive.
• Mehochko has been a prominent participator in the national and local business community. Current and former service includes: Visa Acquirers Executive Council; MasterCard's Acquirer Committee; Discover's Acquirer Advisory Council; Board of Directors Member for the Electronic Transaction Association; and Vice Chairman for American Transaction Processors Coalition. Mehochko is also a former founding Board Member of W.net  (now Paytech Women). She is currently a board member of Paytech Women.
• In addition to her business involvement, Mehochko's philanthropic pursuits include serving as former President of the Board for Omaha's Rose Theater; Board Member of Women's Center for Advancement (formerly Omaha's YWCA), Tenth Street Market; and Strategic Advisor for Nebraska Action Coalition.
• Mehochko obtained her degree in Business Administration/Finance from Western Illinois University, excelling in academics and a member of Sigma Kappa.

Brian Prewitt – Jackson Walker LLP

• Brian Prewitt is a seasoned intellectual property and technology attorney and a dedicated community advocate, bringing his extensive legal expertise and passion for service to the Texas Advocacy Project’s Board of Directors. 
• As a partner at Jackson Walker LLP in Austin, Brian has over 15 years of experience guiding clients through complex patent and technology matters. Brian is also a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and The University of Texas School of Law. 
• Beyond his legal career, Brian is deeply committed to protecting vulnerable children and families. He previously served on the board of the Center for Child Protection, a nonprofit that provides trauma-informed services to abused children in Travis County. His leadership there reflected his belief in the power of community collaboration to create safer futures for children. Brian is also a proud “girl dad,” devoted to his loving wife and their two outstanding children. His family values inspire his dedication to ensuring that all Texans—especially survivors of abuse—have access to justice and support. As a Board Member of the Texas Advocacy Project, Brian is honored to contribute to the organization’s mission of ending domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking through free legal and social services

Whitney Whitmire – Whitmire & Munoz, LLC

• Whitney Whitmire is a dedicated public affairs professional and founding partner of Whitmire & Munoz LLC, a prominent Houston-based firm specializing in legislative advocacy, political advising, and community engagement. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Whitney’s deep local roots and extensive experience have shaped her into a highly respected leader in her field.
• Whitney earned a Bachelor of Public Administration from Texas State University and a Master’s in Political Science from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Her passion for politics and public service began early, and before launching the firm, she operated a successful governmental affairs and political strategy practice. Her broad expertise has allowed her to serve a diverse array of clients across multiple industries, from business to nonprofit organizations.
• A lifelong Houston resident, Whitney’s connection to her community runs deep. She has been actively involved in various local initiatives, including volunteering with The Junior League of Houston, where she contributes her time and expertise to community projects. She also shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Downtown, inspiring the next generation of political leaders.
• Whitney’s work is informed by her extensive background in Texas politics, giving her a unique perspective on legislative processes and community issues. She collaborates closely with her business partner and friend, Lindsay Munoz, to deliver tailored strategies and impactful advocacy services.
• Family is central to Whitney’s life. She lives in the Garden Oaks neighborhood with her husband and two sons. Most weekends, she and her family enjoy Houston’s sports scene, cheering on their favorite team, the Houston Astros. Whitney’s professional dedication and community involvement reflect her passion for making a positive difference in Houston and beyond.