Press Release:Texas Advocacy Project Announces Appointment of 8 New Board Members

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Sydney Mike-Mayer, Policy & Communications Coordinator  

[email protected]  

(972) 249-8402  

Texas Advocacy Project Announces Appointment of 8 New Board Members 

AUSTIN, TX, MARCH 29, 2024 – Texas Advocacy Project (TAP) proudly welcomes 8 distinguished leaders to its expanding Board of Directors, bolstering the total membership to 25. TAP's Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and human trafficking in Texas. Additionally, they drive the organization’s efforts to provide comprehensive services that empower clients towards a future free from abuse. 

The new members represent a diverse range of industry expertise and influence, including: 

• Ivy Bela is a seasoned professional in the realm of public sector consulting,. With a career marked by dedication and innovation, Ivy has continually demonstrated her commitment to driving impactful change within the healthcare and government sectors. Ivy has served as a leader of Healthcare & Government programs and information technology at a number of national consulting firms as well as at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.  During her time in the consulting world, Ivy spearheaded transformative initiatives and provided strategic guidance to clients navigating complex challenges. Throughout her career, Ivy has leveraged her deep understanding of the intricacies of public sector operations to develop and implement tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and drive sustainable outcomes. 
• Gillian Bramlett, J.D. has been a lawyer for IBM for over 25 years and her current role is Senior Counsel for IBM Power Systems.  She manages a team of lawyers who handle all types of legal issues related to the development, launch, and support of IBM's suite of Power brand hardware and software products.  Prior to attending the University of Texas School of Law, she worked at KPMG as an auditor.  Gillian lives in Dallas with her husband, Matt, and dog, Winnie, and they have two adult children, Kate and Charlie.  She is committed to TAP's mission and looks forward to being on the Board. 
• Annie Cullen, J.D. lives in Victoria and serves as in-house counsel for her family’s businesses, which include L&F Distributors, LLC, and Favorite Brands, LLC. She was born and raised in Laredo, received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, and obtained her J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. Annie is married to Casey Cullen, and together they have three children. Currently, she serves as a Commissioner on the Port of Victoria’s board, is a member of the Our Lady of Victory Catholic School’s Advisory Council, and belongs to the Texas Women for the Arts organization. Additionally, she has served on the Victoria Symphony Board of Directors, the VISD Education Foundation, and the Texas Lyceum Board of Directors in the past. 
• Denise Davis, J.D. is a partner at Davis Kaufman PLLC, an Austin-based boutique law firm founded in 2012 with Lisa O. Kaufman. With over 25 years of experience in public service and lobbying, she has consistently ranked as a top-tier lobbyist by Capitol Inside (2013-2023), while her firm, Davis Kaufman PLLC, has also been recognized as a top lobby law firm during the same period. Before co-founding Davis Kaufman PLLC, Ms. Davis held key roles such as Chief of Staff to Speaker Joe R. Straus, House Parliamentarian, and Special Counsel to the Texas House of Representatives. Her extensive public service includes positions like General Counsel to Lt. Governor William “Bill” Ratliff and Director and Counsel to the Texas Judicial Council under Chief Justice Thomas R. Phillips. Denise has also worked in the private sector as Special Counsel at Baker Botts, LLP. Outside her legal career, Denise actively participates in various organizations, including serving on the board of the Ronald McDonald House, KLRU/PBS Board, The Austin Chamber Board, and the Annette Strauss Institute Advisory Council, among others. She is a proud Texan, a University of Texas at Austin alumna, and a supportive mother of students pursuing education at the university. 
• Matt Domo, CEO of FifthVantage, helps his clients develop their unique Digital Strategy, adopting the by integrating cutting-edge technologies and processes to help them modernize, innovate, and grow reliably. Matt is one of the founders of Amazon Web Services and a pioneer in the cloud computing space. He has created nine cutting-edge cloud products and seven e-commerce website solutions, generating Billions in revenue for Amazon, Microsoft, and Rackspace. Matt was recognized by Passion Vista Magazine as one of the Global Icons of 2023, by USA Today as one of the Top 9 Most Exciting Entrepreneurs of 2021 and as one of the Top 50 Technology Leaders in the World by Intercon, the Internet Technology Conference.  Matt writes for Newsweek and Fast Company magazines about what's new and essential in Digital Technology, Digital Transformation, Cloud Computing, and Entrepreneurial Leadership." 
• Gabriela Monahan, J.D. is a seasoned legal expert with over 25 years of experience in the field of law, specializing in complex commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Holding the position of partner at prestigious law firms, she has a robust background in U.S. and international litigation, contract negotiation, corporate governance, and legal compliance. In addition to being a trial lawyer, she has honed skills as in-house and outside corporate counsel and has demonstrated a strong commitment to risk management and public policy, serving as a managing director and special counsel on risk and public policy at a global accounting firm, where she provided guidance on a wide array of operational issues. Her career trajectory also includes significant educational contributions, having developed and led a Law & Public Service program at Lake Travis High School in Austin, and serving on various educational committees. 
• Ben Perkins is the Austin-based leader at PHP, overseeing daily operations and heading the global healthcare advisory and capital formation practice. With over 20 years of experience in Healthcare and Life Sciences sectors, Ben has advised top companies in pharma, medtech, and diagnostics on financial matters like equity and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, as well as partnerships and licensing agreements. Previously, Ben launched a global Life Sciences investment banking practice at Ernst & Young, where he worked across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Before that, he led the West coast Healthcare investment banking practice at BofA Merrill Lynch and started his career at Pacific Growth Equities as Head of Life Sciences Investment Banking. 
• Michelle Shillinglaw has over 25 years of experience as an accomplished HR professional, Michelle has worked in international settings across Product Development, Tech, Semiconductor, and Retail environments. She brings energy, creativity, passion, and practical problem-solving skills to her work and has a proven track record of executive and team development with Fortune 50 companies such as Adobe, Apple, Dell, Samsung, Home Depot, and currently as a Vice President at Salesforce. Personally, Michelle has been happily married for 28 years to her college sweetheart, Glen, and they share their home with their fur baby rescue, Bailey. They have also served as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and Michelle is a past board member for Mainspring Schools. Her hobbies include traveling (having been to every continent), practicing yoga & pilates, and exploring different cuisines. Michelle has a deep interest in learning about other cultures and enjoys connecting with people on their personal journeys to help uplift them. 

These additions strengthen TAP's capacity to make a lasting impact in the fight against power-based abuse and to offer vital support to those in need. 
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About Texas Advocacy Project: Since its beginning in 1982 as a legal hotline, Texas Advocacy Project (TAP) has evolved into an expert on legal and social issues affecting survivors of power-based abuse. TAP strives to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and human trafficking in Texas. TAP empowers survivors through free legal and social services and access to the justice system, and advances prevention through public outreach and education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse. In 2023, TAP provided legal and social services in 4,989 cases, serving 11,047 Texans. If you or someone you know needs help, call 800-374-HOPE or visit TexasAdvocacyProject.org.                                  

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