On August 21st, Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of eight members to the Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Council. Newly appointed Heather Ayala and Forrest Mitchell will join six reappointees, including Melissa Carter, Hillary England, Matthew L. Ferrara, Ph.D., Lindsay Kinzie, Jeffery "JD" Robertson, and David Schwartz. Their tenure on the council will continue until January 31, 2026.
The council's mandate is comprehensive, as they are tasked with analyzing the repercussions of crime on victims, their close relatives, guardians, and the larger society. Heather Ayala brings expertise from her role as national director of victim services for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and her education in Counseling and Psychology. Forrest Mitchell contributes his background in criminal justice his work with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and, his experience from the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Reappointee Melissa Carter of the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office has a journalism degree from Baylor University and a wealth of experience on various victim assistance boards. Deputy Director Hillary England's role in the Office of the Governor underscores her Master of Social Work and her dedicated focus on trafficking and sexual assault prevention. Forensic psychologist Matthew L. Ferrara brings his clinical expertise to the table, while Lindsay Kinzie of The Gatehouse–Grapevine provides legal insight with her experience as an associate judge and her involvement in multiple sections of the State Bar of Texas.
Jeffery "JD" Robertson of Wimberley, a consultant and retired major with the Texas Rangers, has a strong background of over 27 years in law enforcement, and, brings criminal justice scholarship with his academic credentials. David Schwartz, a retired pharmacist from Bellaire, continues to engage with several associations including the Houston Area Pharmacy Association and the Harris County District Attorney's Office Victim Advisory Panel. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to a council pinpointed on elevating the concerns and circumstances of crime victims in society.
