Jeffrey F. Addicott

CENTER OPERATIONS OFFICER

Faithe M. Campbell

Ms. Campbell has been working for the Center for Terrorism Law since 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston, where she earned a Presidential Scholarship for the duration of her academic career. Prior to her position at St. Mary's University, she worked for a large college district in Houston for eight years. Faithe also holds an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies.

OUR FELLOWS

Justin Yarborough (Senior Fellow)

Justin Yarborough is a third year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. Additionally, Justin is a Lieutenant in the United States Marin Corps. Prior to law school, Justin served as the Chief Clerk for the House Judiciary Committee for Texas' 80th Legislative Session, and as a Private Wealth Consultant for Morgan Stanley in New York City.

Justin attended Texas Tech University, where he studied International Business and walked on the Red Raider football team. Upon graduation, he worked in ranch management as a cowboy for a major agribusiness corporation in South Texas.

Justin serves on the Board of Directors at Austin Eastside Community Connection, is a "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He recently participated in the Vets for Freedom National Heros Tour, as they toured through Texas.

John Hicks (Senior Editor)

John Hicks is a second year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. He is also pursuing a Master's degree in International Relations with a concentration in Security Studies at St. Mary's Graduate School. In addition to his work with the Center for Terrorism Law, John is in his sixth year as a full-time firefighter with the city of San Antonio.

John attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, graduating with a B.S. in Biology. Prior to joining the Fire Department, John spent six years enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a combat videographer.

Mel Anderson

Mel Anderson is a second year law student at Saint Mary's University School of Law. Mel is also a Lieutenant in the United States Army. In addition to her work at the Center for Terrorism Law she is also a member at the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. She is also a volunteer Support Group Facilitator at the Children Bereavement Center of San Antonio.

Prior to law school, Mel attended the University of Arizona where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a minor in History. In her spare time Mel writes children's books.

Anita Jo Barrett

Jo Barrett is a third year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. In addition to her work at the Center for Terrorism Law, she is a member of the negotiations team and works as a Bankruptcy Clerk for the Law Offices of Victor W. Luke, APLC. She has also interned for the Office of the Texas Attorney General - Consumer Protection and Public Health Division.

Prior to law school, Jo attended Sam Houston State University where she received her Bachelor of Business Administraiton in Accounting with a minor in Criminal Justice. She was also a College of Business Administration Ambassador and President of the University's Chapter of Golden Key International Honor Society. She holds a Black Belt in Hapkido and is studying Tae Kwon Do and Mixed Martial Arts.

Miguel E. Dilley

Miguel E. Dilley is a third year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. In addition to being a fellow at the Center for Terrorism Law, Miguel is a member of the Federalist Society, the Federal Bar Association, the State bar of Texas Law Student Division and the Hispanic Law Student Association.

Miguel led the submission of an Amicus Curiae brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Iraq v. Beaty, et al. on behalf of the Center for Terrorism Law.

Nathan Fulmer

Nathan Fulmer is a third year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. In addition to his work at the Center for Terrorism Law, Nathan works for an International Defense Contractor in Austin, Texas, serving as an analyst for senior management. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History from the University of Texas at Austin.

Robert Gunn

Rob is a third year law student at St. Mary's University and is also pursuing a Master's of Arts in Theology through the university. In the summer of 2008, Rob attended the Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck, Austria, featuring guest lecturer John G. Roberts of the United States Supreme Court. He has interned at the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals for Justice Marialyn Barnard. Rob holds a bachelor's degree from Rhodes College in Philosophy and History.

Amanda Hernandez

Amanda Hernandez is a third year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. In addition to being a research fellow at the Center for Terrorism Law, she is a member of the External Advocacy Program and is a 3L senator for the Student Bar Association. Amanda attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a concentration in Hispanic Studies. Amanda also holds a minor in business.

Clare Pace

Clare Pace is a second year law student at St. Mary's School of law. In addition to working as a research fellow for the Center for Terrorism Law, Clare is Vice-President of the Women's Law Association, 2L Senator for the Student Bar Association, and a member of the St. Mary's Mock Trial Team. Prior to law school, Clare worked as a Language Assistant in Colmar, France. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in History from Texas A&M where she was a member of the Terry Foundation Student Association.

Ashly Reeve

Ashly Reeve is a second year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. In addition to being a fellow for the Center for Terrorism Law, she is also the 2L Honor Court Justice for the Student Bar Association. During the summer of 2009, Ashly interned with the Thirteenth Court of Appeals for Judge Linda Yaez. Ashly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from Texas State University.

Pablo E. Rivera

Pablo E. Rivera is a second year Law student at St. Mary's University, also pursuing a M.A. in International Relations. In addition to his work at the Center for Terrorism Law, he also works at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid as a Telephone Access to Justice Associate. Before attending law school, Pablo served four years in the Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant. As a medic, he took part of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2.5 and 06-08. Pablo has a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences from University of the Incarnate Word.

Lina Seikh

Lina Seikh is a third year law student at St. Mary's University School of Law. In addition to her work at the Center for Terrorism Law, she is the Public Relations Officer of Restorative Justice Initiative, a member of Hispanic Law Students Association and Asian American Law Students Association and works as a Clerk for the Law Offices of Victor W. Luke, APLC. She also works at the Sarita Kennedy Law Library.

Lina attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received her degree in Neuroscience and Asian Studies. She graduated Cum Laude and received several student scholar awards. She has volunteered her time with RCDP Nepal where she served as an English teacher in a village 20 miles outside of Kathmandu, Nepal, has volunteered over 100 hours in Austin Hospitals and is an active member of the Art of Living Humanitarian Organization. In addition, she is a member of Amnesty International.

In her spare time she likes to volunteer her time to the needy with programs like Bridges to Life, a restorative justice initiative in local prisons,hospitals, and children's shelters. In addition, she is an amateur photographer and practices Meditation and Raki as well as studying Tae Kwon Do.

Consultants

Offer Baruch

Offer Baruch is the Vice President of Operation for International Shield Inc., a Houston-based security consultant and training company.

Born in Israel, Mr. Baruch has more than 25 years experience in counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence and physical security management. He was recruited by the Israeli Security Service (Shin Bet) in 1978. During his service, Mr. Baruch became a member of the counter-terrorism division and has been involved in the interrogation of hundreds of terrorist incidents and suicides attacks in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Lebanon over the course of his career.

Mr. Baruch has extensive experience in dealing with radical Islamic militant groups and became the director of a counter intelligence unit for the Israeli Counter Terrorism Task Force. During his career he had developed relevant counterterrorism training programs. He later served with a specialized negotiation unit that coordinated counter-intelligence information with the Palestinian Authority. Mr. Baruch served as the Director of Security for several Israeli diplomatic missions with the Israeli Foreign Ministry. These included high-threat posts such as Egypt and Jordan where he facilitated executive protection details for diplomats and security oversight for expatriates. He also was responsible for all aspects of physical security measures at Israeli missions in these locations and worked to bolster local security for El Al Airlines.

As a Physical Security Expert, Mr. Baruch provided professional opinion report on the security measures at a project in Saudi Arabia, where six foreigners were murdered in a terror attack. This security consultant provided for a Houston-based legal firm which represented some of the victimsÕ families. He has developed the most updated concept for counter-terrorism which has become a major asset with the U.S. Homeland Security and shares this concept with Federal, Local and State law enforcement in training seminars nationwide. He is also a well known speaker in the field of Global Fundamental Islamic Terror, suicide bombersÕ culture and other counter-terrorism related subjects.

Mr. Baruch has a bachelor degree in Israeli Government Politics from Bar Ilan University and he has participated in variety security courses with the Israeli Shin Bet such as aviation security management, counter-intelligence and Interrogation Management. Additionally, he certified by Texas Department of Public Safety as a Security Manager. Mr. Baruch is fluent in Hebrew, English and different Arabic dialects.

Kenneth R. Bowra, Major General (Ret.), U.S. Army

Ken Bowra is Oak Ridge National LaboratoryÕs Senior Program Director for the U.S. Joint Forces Command, located in Suffolk, Virginia. He retired as a Major General after thirty-three years of service in the United States Army on 1 October 2003. He was commissioned a Regular Army officer, in the infantry, after graduating from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He earned a Masters Degree (MMAS) in Military Science while attending the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. In his last assignment, he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations, Allied Forces North Europe, NATO, where he led NATOÕs first out of Europe reconnaissance mission to Afghanistan.

He has commanded Special Forces units at all levels: serving as a reconnaissance team leader in Vietnam with MACV-SOG; advisor to Cambodian units in the FANK/UITG Program; Operational Detachment Alfa Team leader and executive officer; Military Equipment Delivery Team, Cambodia; battalion and Group commander with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He additionally served as a company commander in the 4th Infantry Division and 2d Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry. He also has served with the Joint Special Operations Command, and deployed in support of operations in Grenada, and other contingencies. General officer commands and assignments include: Commanding General, Special Operations Command South, United States Southern Command; Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Special Operations Command; Commanding General, United States Army Special Forces Command; and Commanding General United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He additionally served as the Deputy Commander to NATOÕs 39-nation peacekeeping force in Kosovo, KFOR.

Mr. Bowra is a member of the NDIA Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict Executive Board, and serves as a consultant for St. MaryÕs University School of Law, Center for Terrorism Law. He has served as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, and received the Distinguished Scouter Award in 2003 as well as the Silver Beaver in 2003. He is an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow.

Senior Advisor Peter T. Conner

Mr. Peter T. Conner is a Principal in The Spectrum Group with a Specialty in the Homeland Security and International Divisions. He has technical and business expertise in several different industries and technologies, specifically the Defense, Intelligence, Homeland Security, Health Affairs and Biosciences.  

Mr. Conner serves as a Senior Advisor to the Center for Terrorism Law, Saint Mary’s University and as a Director, Chemical Security Services, LLC.  He is subject matter expert on the DHS SAFETY Act and Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). He has served as a Program Manager for the Texas Bio and Agro Defense Consortium (TBAC), a finalist for the DHS National Bio and Agro Defense Facility. He also has extensive experience with multiple secure communications, information technologies, and Biocontainment Laboratories, including BSL-4. Mr. Conner has CEO and General Management experience in international sales, marketing, quality and problem resolution has spent decades assisting companies and trade communities in reaching their business and financial goals by innovation, analysis, strategy development, on-site management. 

Mr. Conner founded AMICITAS which is a Faith Based Center for Preparedness and Resiliency after his personal experience assisting evacuees as a commissioned Stephen Minister in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. AMICITAS organizes, credentials, and deploys faith based volunteers to serve as “Spiritual Friends” during disasters and complements the existing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) trained teams for disaster response available to survey, assess, inform, and ultimately assist in protecting communities. .AMICITAS intends to participate in Operation Lone Star during 2009, under the leadership of Commander Chuck Bauer, M.D.     

Mr. Conner holds a B.S. in Management from the University of Alabama and received a M.A. in Health Care Management from George Washington University. He graduated from Harvard University School of Business, President Class Certificate and also received an Advanced Financial Management Certificate from University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School.

James Conway

James G. Conway, Jr. is the President and Managing Director of Global Intelligence Strategies, Inc. in Houston, Texas. He consults and advises government agencies, academia and the media on terrorism and national security matters as well as private sector corporations on security, counterterrorism measures and risk mitigation.

Mr. Conway served in law-enforcement for 35 years, 25 years as a Special Agent for FBI where he specialized in investigations of organized crime, violent crime, international terrorism and counter-intelligence. Mr. Conway also spent four years conducting community and corporate relations and media relations as the FBI Spokesperson for the Houston Division. In addition, Mr. Conway served as an FBI police instructor and member of the FBI tactical SWAT team.

In recent years, Mr. Conway supervised the Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force and worked in a variety of assignments both in the U.S. and overseas working with police, intelligence and judicial counterparts throughout the world.   In 2002, Mr. Conway was appointed to a four year diplomatic posting in the Office o f the Legal Attaché, U.S. Embassy, in Mexico City.

Gregory Rattray, Ph.D.

Dr. Gregory Rattray is the Center's consultant for cyberterrorism. Dr. Rattray served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years, as well as the White House National Security Council Staff. He is a national cybersecurity and information warfare expert who has various publications regarding this subject. Dr. Rattray earned his Ph.D. in International Affairs (with honors) from Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University, 1998.

With over twenty years of expertise in domestic and international cyber security, operations and intelligence, Dr. Rattray is an outstanding communicator across a broad range of forums and stakeholders. He has established and drove program strategies for cyber security initiatives across both the government and private sector. Additionally, he is engaged as a continuing advisor to the White House, Department of Defense, intelligence community, academic education and research programs on global risk and enterprise solutions. His experience includes:

• Served as member of The White House staff, Director of Cyber Security, National Security Council
• Command of leading edge Air Force information operations organizations
• Telecommunications and cyber security program management
• Lead DoD information assurance engagement with defense industrial base partners
• Senior security adviser on foreign investments for US government regarding corporate acquisitions and outsourcing concerns in the telecommunications and information technology sector
• Full member, Council on Foreign Relations
• Chair of the Advisory Board, Cyber Conflict Studies Association
• Advisory Board Member, National Infragard Program

G. Michael Stripling, Colonel, U.S. Army

Michael Stripling is a Colonel in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (RC). He is a graduate of Samford University and Birmingham School of Law. His military education includes the Infantry Advanced course, the Military Intelligence Advanced course, the Graduate Program at the Judge Advocate General's School, the Command and General Staff College, and the Air War College. He also holds both the Parachutist and Air Assault Badges and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Col. Michael Stripling is an attorney in private practice in Birmingham, Alabama, and an Army Reservist. The main focus of his practice is in the area of International Law, including Military Law and Intelligence Law. He lectures extensively on the history of the Middle East and foreign and domestic terrorism.

Col. Stripling served on active duty as the Command Judge Advocate of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during Desert Storm in 1991. He remained in that capacity until 1995, at which time he was selected to serve as a Senior Legal Advisor (Reservist) at the Special Forces Command (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Col. Stripling was recently selected by the Pentagon to serve as the Reserve Commander and Commandant of the Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School at Charlottesville, Virginia.

Senior Consultant Alfred A. Valenzuela, Major General (Ret.), U.S. Army

Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela was commissioned from St. Mary's University as a Distinguished Military Graduate and awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government. He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science, with emphasis on Latin American Studies, and National Security Affairs. His military education includes the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, Defense Strategy Course, Army War College, National Security Management Course, and Airborne Course. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Inter-American Defense College, Command and General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College, and the Air War College.

Major General Valenzuela has served as the Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Joint Task Force Panama Commander, U. S. Army South, Assistant Division Commander (Support), 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, from October 1996 until June 1998. He also served as Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Southern Command from June 1998 to July 2000. His last assignment was as Commander, United States Army South from July 2000 until October 2003. MG Valenzuela retired from active duty on 1 May, 2004.

Major General Valenzuela has served in three Corps (3rd, 7th, and 18th) and four Infantry Divisions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 10th, and 1st AD). While serving as Commander, 10th Mountain Division Artillery, Fort Drum, New York, he participated in operations "Restore Hope" and "Uphold Democracy" with soldiers of his unit deployed to Somalia and Haiti. He also participated in "Distant Thunder" with 3ID in Kuwait. He also served as the Commander Military Assistance Advisory Group, Peru, and as a Field Artillery Advisor, U.S. Military Group, Colombia.

Major General Valenzuela also served as the Latin American Politico-Military Analyst at the National Security Agency, working as the Planning Coordinator for Operations "Urgent Fury" in Grenada and "Just Cause" in Panama; he was also a Fire Support Officer and Brigade Artillery and Infantry Advisor, U. S. Military Group, El Salvador, during the country's civil war.

Among his decorations are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), Soldier's Medal (for heroism), Bronze Star for Valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (3rd award).

MG Valenzuela has served on the Board of Directors for the Eagle Scout Association, the Texas Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America and the Tomas Rivera Institute for Policy. He has been selected to the Hall of Fame for the Boys Club, and is on the Board of trustees of Saint Mary's University. He was recently named one of the "100 Most Influential Hispanics" by Hispanic Business magazine and selected to the Board of Directors for the Cuban American National Council for Education.

Distinguished Visitors

Marc Gonsalves and Keith Stansell, two of the three Americans held hostage in Colombia for five and a half years, told their harrowing tale of survival, brotherhood and rescue on May 29, 2009.  This presentation was part of the Center for Terrorism Law's Distringuished Speaker Series.  Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell and Thomas Howe were rescued from their captors, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in July 2008.  Their book Out of Captivity:  Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle, was featured at the presentation and is available at local bookstores.



Robert M. Chesney, a member of the faculty at the University of Texas School of Law and a Senior non-resident Fellow of the Brookings Institute, gave a presentation which focused on the federal criminal justice system's ability to prosecute some or all of the GITMO detainees on April 23, 2009.



Senator John Cornyn (R. TX),   Senator Cornyn spoke proudly of his alma mater taking a lead role on the "War on Terror" by establishing the Center for Terrorism Law." ...see website

February 26, 2004:  Mr. John Washburn, J.D. (Harvard), a career Diplomat and Convener of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mr. Washburn spoke on "The ICC and the Prosecution of Terrorists."...see website

February 19, 2004: General Counsel James Ho. Mr. Ho serves as Chief Counsel of the United States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Property Rights, chaired by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). Mr. Ho spoke on "Ensuring the Continuity of Government after "9/11." ...more

January 30, 2004: Congressman Jim Turner (D. TX), Ranking Member, House Select Committee on Homeland Security.  Congressman Turner spoke on "Winning the War on Terror." ...see website

November 20, 2003: Honorable Steven J. Morello, General Counsel, Department of the Army.  Mr. Morello spoke on a variety of legal issues associated with the War on Terror to include the detention of the detainees in Cuba. ...see website