Governor Greg Abbott has made significant appointments to the Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council, enlisting eight individuals to contribute their expertise to the body responsible for analyzing crimes' effects on victims and society. Heather Ayala of Grand Prairie, and Forrest Mitchell of Corpus Christi have been newly appointed, while six others have been reappointed for terms through January 2026, according to a recent announcement.
Including Ayala and Mitchell, the reappointed members are Melissa Carter, Hillary England, Matthew L. Ferrara, Ph.D., Lindsay Kinzie, Jeffery "JD" Robertson, and David Schwartz. These appointments come at a critical time, as the council navigates the intricacies of crime impact analysis, efforts that are foundational in developing meaningful support structures for victims of crime.
The official statement highlighted the backgrounds of the appointees that included a range of professionals from psychological, legal, and law enforcement fields. Ayala brings her experience as the national director of victim services for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Psychology to the council's work. Mitchell adds his perspective as a former director of operations for the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office and a seasoned member of various forensic and criminology associations.
Carter contributes knowledge garnered from her role as the victim assistance coordinator for the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office, and England, brings her expertise from managing victim services and prevention programs in the Office of the Governor. Ferrara, as a self-employed forensic psychologist and Kinzie, with her legal expertise provide insights into the judicial and psychological implications of victimization. Robertson, a retired major with the Texas Rangers, and Schwartz, a retired pharmacist active in victim advocacy groups, round out the council with their diverse experience and dedicated community engagement.
The appointed members bring a mosaic of professional backgrounds to the council, which aims to provide the state of Texas with a comprehensive understanding of crime's societal toll. Ayala's and Mitchell's added expertise along with the ongoing contributions from Carter, England, Ferrara, Kinzie, Robertson, and Schwartz signals an ongoing commitment by the governor's office to address the needs and rights of crime victims effectively.
