Board of Directors
Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN)'s board of directors is comprised of individuals who bring their professional talents and animal welfare expertise to the organization to help further its mission for the animals. All work is provided on a voluntary basis. The duties of the board include: establishing and implementing legislative agendas designed to pass effective animal protection legislation; providing information to the news media concerning THLN issues; informing THLN's membership of animal-related legislation; increasing membership statewide; working with other organizations who share THLN's goals; and fundraising to provide the financial resources needed for lobbying, membership communications, and media-related activities.
Steve has built his professional career in real estate development and finance. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. More than 15 years ago, Steve and his wife Vickie began volunteering as a foster home for dog rescue organizations, helping countless dogs find loving, permanent homes. In addition to fostering, Steve actively fundraises and writes grants for several Dallas-area rescue groups. He also helps organize events that support humane education, raise critical funds, and promote pet adoption.
Before joining the board, Steve was a dedicated volunteer with the Texas Humane Legislation Network, supporting efforts in humane education, legislative advocacy, and fundraising. As chair of THLN’s grassroots committee, Steve is passionate about empowering Texans to connect with their elected officials and advocate for animals. He believes real change happens when neighbors reach each other where they live, work, learn, worship, text, and tweet. Steve and Vickie share their home with four beloved rescue dogs—and frequently open their doors to foster dogs in need.
Ashley N. Morgan is a trial attorney who has represented clients in a range of civil litigation cases, including personal injury/tort, construction, consumer protection, and property disputes. She is a competitive and zealous advocate for her clients. Ashley obtained her Juris Doctorate from Baylor Law School. While in law school, Ashley served as President of the Baylor chapter of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund. Ashley also has a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from Baylor University.
She is actively involved in both the local and state bar associations. She is currently the Chair of the Animal Law Sections of the State Bar of Texas and the Austin Bar Association.
Parker Wilson lives in San Antonio, where he was born and raised, with his wife, daughter, two dogs, three cats, and one former hamster. He is the Vice President of Regulatory Law at Valero, where he has worked since 2002, and he previously served two terms on the board of the Bexar County Humane Society.
Before joining the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, Parker was an active volunteer who worked to advance THLN-supported tethering legislation. He is passionate about strengthening laws that protect companion animals from cruelty and ensuring meaningful consequences for those who cause harm.
Ken is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a partner in a public accounting firm. His practice focuses on supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations with their accounting and tax compliance needs. A passionate advocate for animals, Ken is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and giving a voice to the voiceless.
He is active in the Dallas–Fort Worth community, volunteering with local animal rescues and serving as a foster parent for dogs in need. Ken is a former board member of the LSU Dallas Alumni Chapter. He and his wife, Myka, live in Dallas with their three beloved rescue dogs—Beaux, Chumley, and Charlie.
Kelly is an attorney based in Galveston, Texas, where she practices first-party insurance law. She earned her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston (STCLH), where her interest in animal law began while working as a Research Assistant for Professor Fran Ortiz. Kelly went on to serve as President of the STCLH Animal Legal Defense Fund Chapter for two years, during which the group was named Student Organization of the Year.
Her commitment to animal welfare has been recognized through several honors, including the Honorable Michael H. Schneider, Jr. Animal Law Society Award and the Vinson & Elkins Public Interest Award. Kelly is passionate about community outreach and education, and she shares her life with two exuberant English Springer Spaniels, Molly and Kieran.
Meera is an award-winning TV journalist, radio personality, and actress who began her storytelling journey at just seven years old—sort of. After getting in trouble for talking too much in class, her teacher suggested she watch the evening news to stay current, and that’s when her love of communication began. Growing up in New York, she was inspired by legends like Barbara Walters and Geraldo Rivera, though she initially dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Her first hands-on animal job came at 14, cleaning and feeding dogs at a boarding kennel, an experience that deepened her passion for animals. Meera eventually pursued a career in broadcast journalism, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. While working in radio and television across Austin, she consistently included animal advocacy in her storytelling—even weaving in her own rescue pets.
After making her mark in Austin media, Meera moved to Houston, taking on roles at 104.1 KRBE, News 24 Houston, CW 39, and HTV, where she continued spotlighting animal issues. In 2008, she left mainstream media to serve as a spokesperson for a local animal shelter, where she saw both heartbreaking cruelty and powerful stories of rescue. One of her most meaningful projects was documenting the journey of an abused bear named Betsy from Houston to a sanctuary in Romania. Today, Meera is the founder of Meera’s Animal Tribe, officially claiming the title of Animal Welfare Journalist—a role she’s fulfilled unofficially for years. Through her original storytelling and deep compassion, Meera gives animals a voice they wouldn't otherwise have. And with her loyal rescues—Xena the dog, and cats Kit Kat and Boujee Bear—by her side, she’s just getting started.
Fran Ortiz is a Professor of Law and served as Presidential Research Professor from 2006–2010 at South Texas College of Law Houston, where she has taught since 1996. She earned her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986 and her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1989. Before entering academia full-time, she practiced environmental law with Jones Day and Baker Botts in Austin and taught Environmental Liabilities as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
Professor Ortiz serves as a Council Member of the Animal Law Section and Environmental Law Section of the Houston Bar Association. Her research focuses on animal law, land use, conservation, and endangered species, and she has written extensively on these topics. She is also the author of the electronic property study guide Interactive Property.
Randy Turner spent much of his childhood in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Germany. He practices animal law in Fort Worth and is a co-founder and past chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. Randy has been a dedicated member and supporter of THLN since 1987, including serving a term on its board.With over 30 years of experience, Randy has represented animal welfare and rescue groups, wildlife sanctuaries, activists, and animal owners. He has tried numerous animal-related cases to verdict and handled several appeals in Texas courts, including the Supreme Court of Texas. Randy frequently lectures on animal law and has testified multiple times before the Texas legislature on animal-related legislation.
He has served on the boards of various Texas animal welfare organizations and volunteered internationally on conservation projects in Borneo, Indonesia (orangutan rescue and rehabilitation), Kenya (elephant conservation), and Zimbabwe (black rhinoceros conservation). He divides his time between Fort Worth and a mountain cabin in Colorado with his wife, Patti, two rescue dogs, and three rescue cats.
Advisory Board
