2021 Houston Engagement Dinner Policy Experts

Kevin Roberts, Executive Director

A lifelong educator, Kevin Roberts earned his Ph.D. in American history from The University of Texas, thereafter serving as a history professor, and ultimately starting his own K-12 school, John Paul the Great Academy in Louisiana. He was then hired as president of Wyoming Catholic College, which the New York Times described as being full of “cowboy Catholics” for refusing federal student loans and grants. Both schools led by Roberts have earned regular recognition for being among the top Catholic schools in the nation.

 

David Balat, Director, Right on Healthcare

David Balat has broad experience across the healthcare spectrum with special expertise in healthcare finance. He is a former congressional candidate in Texas’ 2nd Congressional District and a seasoned hospital executive with more than 20 years of healthcare industry leadership and executive management experience. He has earned the privilege of being invited to testify before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform in Washington, D.C., and before various House committees in the Texas state Legislature.

 

Chuck DeVore, Vice President of National Initiatives

From 2004 to 2010, Chuck DeVore represented almost 500,000 people in the California State Assembly. He was the Vice Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation and Vice Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee and served on the Budget Committee as well as the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Prior to his election, DeVore was an executive in the aerospace industry for 13 years working on ballistic missile defense, space sensors, and space launch vehicle programs.

Rob Henneke, General Counsel

Before joining the Foundation, Robert Henneke served as the twice-elected Kerr County Attorney where he brought conservative values to county government. Robert began his legal career serving as an Assistant Attorney General in the General Litigation division under the leadership of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Robert has appeared on national news shows, such as Fox News, Fox Business, MSNBC, and others.

 

Jason Isaac, Director, Life:Powered

Prior to joining the Foundation, Jason Isaac, a fourth-generation native Texan, was elected four times as the State Representative for Hays and Blanco counties in the Texas Hill Country. During his eight years of service, he successfully passed legislation to reduce taxes, strengthen election integrity, improve public education, preserve Second Amendment rights, protect local groundwater, and protect private property rights. Jason has appeared on national news shows, and his commentaries have been published in The Hill, The Washington Examiner, the Daily Caller, and other publications.

Alice Marie Johnson, Senior Fellow, Right on Crime

In 1996, Alice Marie Johnson was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence plus 25 years without the possibility of parole for her role in a nonviolent federal drug case. This was her first and only conviction ever. Her story received world-wide attention when reality star and business mogul, Kim Kardashian West advocated for her release from prison. On June 6, 2018, President Donald J. Trump granted clemency to Alice and the world watched as she ran across the street into the arms of her family. Alice has been deemed a “catalyst” for the successful passage of the First Step Act. Since being granted clemency, she has steadfastly committed herself to continue to fight for criminal justice reform and for the women and men who are still incarcerated. During her nearly 22 years of incarceration, Alice accomplished what has been termed as “extraordinary rehabilitation”. She received numerous certifications that included Pastoral Counseling, Electrical 1, Office Proficiency, Hospice Care, and Personal Fitness Trainer. While in prison, Johnson became renowned as a gifted playwright. She was ordained as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.