Shelby Bobosky
Position: Executive Director
Shelby has been the Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) since 2019 and the Texas Humane Network since 2020, but she began her volunteer service with THLN in 2011 as a board member. Since 2011, under her leadership as President, Vice President, and Legislative Chair, THLN has had five successful legislative sessions. Some of the highlights include THLN successfully passing the Anti-Gassing Law (passed in 2013), the Mandatory Canine Encounter Training Law (passed in 2015), the Animal Cruelty Enhancement Law (passed in 2017), the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act (passed in 2021) and the Revised Texas Licensed Breeders’ Act.
Shelby was a practicing attorney in Dallas, Texas, focusing on general civil litigation until 2017 when she decided to do only pro bono animal-related cases, putting in hundreds of hours for THLN assisting animal welfare advocates and rescues when possible. She is an Adjunct Law Professor at the Southern Methodist University College of Law, teaching Animal Law and Wildlife Law since 2016. Shelby also travels the state teaching Texas animal-related laws with a focus on animal cruelty. Shelby also serves as the Chair of the Dallas Animal Shelter since 2022. She is a proud mother of three boys, two rescued dogs, and lots and lots of foster dogs.
Karen Rankin
Position: Director of Operations
Karen, a highly experienced Administrative Professional with a rich career spanning over 25 years, brings a diverse professional background to the organization. Her passion for service led her to join THLN in May 2019, where she adeptly provides administrative support to the staff, board members, and volunteers. Her exceptional organizational and teamwork skills ensure smooth operations
Before her position at THLN, she managed the Lower Colorado River Authority grant program. Karen says the best feeling is giving money to other nonprofits in need. She is a conscientious steward of donations and previously worked as a business administrator for a 400-member church in the Houston area.
Outside work, Karen enjoys walking her newly inherited Springer Spaniel mix, Nicki, day-tripping in central Texas, and challenging herself to a jigsaw puzzle.
Brianne Comeaux
Position: Marketing Manager
Brianne began working with the THLN in 2021 and soon fell in love with our mission and team. Service and nonprofit work have easily become a huge passion for Brianne and she looks forward to making a difference for Texas animals every day! Brianne is an integral part of our marketing efforts of multiple pet store ordinances, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, the Big Cat Public Safety Act, our Advocacy events and meetings, including capturing videos and still photos company-wide.
When Brianne isn't editing our next social media post, you can find her with her husband and three fur-babies enjoying a delicious iced coffee, probably dancing, and learning her next creative craft.
Francesca Chillino
Position: Government Relations Assistant
Francesca joined the THLN team in September 2024, shortly after graduating from Baylor University. In her role, she supports the THLN team by conducting research and gathering data to advance the legislative bills currently in progress. Francesca has been passionate about animal rescue and welfare for most of her life, actively engaging in the cause since the summer of 2014. During college, she worked at the Humane Society of Central Texas and volunteered with several other animal welfare organizations.
One of her most memorable and rewarding experiences was a mission trip to Antigua, Guatemala, this past May, where she and her classmates volunteered at underfunded animal shelters. Francesca is the proud owner of two pit bulls, Violet and Pluto, and dreams of one day having a small farm filled with rescued barn animals.
Blair Stirek
Position: Volunteer Manager
Blair joined the THLN team in November 2024, bringing over a decade of experience managing volunteers and organizing large events within the nonprofit sector. She has over a decade of experience managing volunteers and large events within the non-profit sector. Animals are her #1 passion and in recent years Blair deeply wanted to work within the animal law sector and had a gut feeling that the opportunity would come her way.
Before THLN, Blair served as the Senior Volunteer Program Manager at Austin Pets Alive! for over five years. During her tenure, she established numerous annual traditions, created a volunteer recognition program, and developed many programs from the ground up. Her nonprofit career began in 2012 with the Girls Empowerment Network, where she advanced to Project Manager over six years. Under her leadership, the organization’s largest fundraising event, the We Are Girls Conference, expanded from one city with 1,400 attendees to three cities with over 4,000 participants statewide—all on a limited budget and with a grassroots approach. Blair holds the prestigious Certificate in Volunteer Administration (CVA), a credential earned by only about 1,100 individuals worldwide. The CVA’s mission is "To advance excellence in volunteer administration by delivering professional certification and advocating for ethical practice."
Outside of work, Blair enjoys spending time with her partner, young daughter, and three beloved dogs. In her spare moments, she loves crafting and creating, from macrame artistry to simpler crafts like crocheting and diamond painting.
For more information on becoming an Organization Partner please get in touch with us at: [email protected]
Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN)