AVDP was founded to fill a niche, bringing fresh challenges and opportunities into focus. Together we offer over 30 years of public office experience and more than 50 years of business expertise.
Navigating government requires an understanding of its culture and language, and we specialize in translating that knowledge for the private sector. At the core of our practice is connecting people—bridging the gap between government entities and the business community.
Contact the AVDP team to discuss how we can address your needs and tailor strategies for your success.
Associates
Gerald Lee
Associate
Gerald Lee has over twenty-five years of experience in government and public affairs. He has served as Regional Director of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for both The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Governmental Affairs Director for the San Antonio Board of Realtors, Chief of Staff to a San Antonio City Council member, and Legislative Aide to a State Representative.
As a former owner of Lee Public Affairs, Gerald represented a diverse range of clients, including insurance companies, engineering firms, construction firms, nonprofits, and various other business interests.
He has extensive experience in lobbying before the Texas Legislature and various local government entities achieving high-profile victories such as PGA Village while at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, leading the Smoke-Free San Antonio campaign, and facilitating the passage of legislation for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) while at the American Cancer Society.
Gerald is well-versed in conducting media interviews across radio, TV, and print and he has appeared before editorial boards on behalf of clients. Additionally, he has provided governmental and public affairs training, as well as message training for clients and volunteer organizations.
Gerald previously served as a Board of Trustee on the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. He currently serves on the Board of the University Health System Foundation and Ride Connect Texas and he is a member of the Rotary Club of San Antonio. Gerald has also served as past board member of the Symphony Society of San Antonio, Lifetime Recovery, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Antonio, the San Antonio State Hospital Volunteer Council, and the American Lung Association.
As a former owner of Lee Public Affairs, Gerald represented a diverse range of clients, including insurance companies, engineering firms, construction firms, nonprofits, and various other business interests.
He has extensive experience in lobbying before the Texas Legislature and various local government entities achieving high-profile victories such as PGA Village while at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, leading the Smoke-Free San Antonio campaign, and facilitating the passage of legislation for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) while at the American Cancer Society.
Gerald is well-versed in conducting media interviews across radio, TV, and print and he has appeared before editorial boards on behalf of clients. Additionally, he has provided governmental and public affairs training, as well as message training for clients and volunteer organizations.
Gerald previously served as a Board of Trustee on the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. He currently serves on the Board of the University Health System Foundation and Ride Connect Texas and he is a member of the Rotary Club of San Antonio. Gerald has also served as past board member of the Symphony Society of San Antonio, Lifetime Recovery, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Antonio, the San Antonio State Hospital Volunteer Council, and the American Lung Association.
Ivalis Meza Gonzalez
Associate
Ivalis Meza Gonzalez served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Nirenberg, where she was recognized as a 2021 “40 under 40 Woman of the Year” by the San Antonio Business Journal for her leadership in organizing our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this role, she played a key part in the city council’s recommitment to the Edward’s Aquifer Protection Program, enhancing Winter Storm Uri’s response efforts, implementing strategic housing initiatives, and supporting the City Council Redistricting Committee. Additionally, she contributed to the San Antonio Ready to Work initiative, which provides job training for the high-paying jobs in demand.
Prior to her role as Chief of Staff, Ivalis worked in community engagement for the San Antonio Spurs, collaborating with schools, nonprofits, and local government to connect players with residents. She also worked at the San Antonio River Authority, partnering with local and state government on the Mission Reach and Museum Reach river expansion projects.
Ivalis is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and St. Mary’s University School of Law. She understands the value of organizing and coalition building, which, coupled with her passion for public policy, has made her a critical contributor to major community initiatives. She serves on the boards of Healthy Futures of Texas, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, and the Martinez Street Women’s Center.
Prior to her role as Chief of Staff, Ivalis worked in community engagement for the San Antonio Spurs, collaborating with schools, nonprofits, and local government to connect players with residents. She also worked at the San Antonio River Authority, partnering with local and state government on the Mission Reach and Museum Reach river expansion projects.
Ivalis is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and St. Mary’s University School of Law. She understands the value of organizing and coalition building, which, coupled with her passion for public policy, has made her a critical contributor to major community initiatives. She serves on the boards of Healthy Futures of Texas, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, and the Martinez Street Women’s Center.
Colette Vallot
Associate
Colette Vallot is the founder and managing partner of Entré Strategic Partners, a government affairs and advocacy firm focused on local and legislative public policy. An attorney with 20 years of experience, she works with a broad array of clients and industries, including Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations.
Colette built her career on the front lines of legislative and regulatory issues that impact business. She serves her broad client base through legislative advocacy and bipartisan relationships consulting with municipalities, corporations, and trade associations and maintains legislative relationships at the city, county, and state level. Her practice areas include technology, procurement, economic development, housing, and energy.
Ms. Vallot spent nine years at Energy Future Holdings (EFH), a leading energy company with a portfolio of competitive and regulated businesses, including TXU Energy. Prior to joining EFH, she was director of operations and compliance in the consumer products division at Viacom and Nickelodeon in New York. She served as director of human resources at the American Airlines Center in Dallas and JCPenney corporate headquarters in Plano.
Colette received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her bachelor’s degree in public communications from American University in Washington, DC. She is licensed to practice law and is a registered lobbyist in Texas.
Colette built her career on the front lines of legislative and regulatory issues that impact business. She serves her broad client base through legislative advocacy and bipartisan relationships consulting with municipalities, corporations, and trade associations and maintains legislative relationships at the city, county, and state level. Her practice areas include technology, procurement, economic development, housing, and energy.
Ms. Vallot spent nine years at Energy Future Holdings (EFH), a leading energy company with a portfolio of competitive and regulated businesses, including TXU Energy. Prior to joining EFH, she was director of operations and compliance in the consumer products division at Viacom and Nickelodeon in New York. She served as director of human resources at the American Airlines Center in Dallas and JCPenney corporate headquarters in Plano.
Colette received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her bachelor’s degree in public communications from American University in Washington, DC. She is licensed to practice law and is a registered lobbyist in Texas.
Geraldine Garcia
Associate
Department in 2016 after 34 years of service. In her leadership role, she was directly responsible for managing several components of a police force comprising nearly 2400 personnel. She oversaw the Operations Support Bureau, including the Tactical Support Division and the Major Crimes Intelligence Division, while assisting Chief McManus in his duties.
Externally, Geraldine was a key collaborator with municipal, county and federal law enforcement agencies, working to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of communities and neighborhoods. She successfully engaged with the public, council members, and various groups on highly sensitive and controversial matters.
Chief Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University, and a Master of Science in Justice Policy from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. She also piloted a criminal justice and law enforcement program in the East Central Independent School District while becoming a certified public teacher.
Externally, Geraldine was a key collaborator with municipal, county and federal law enforcement agencies, working to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of communities and neighborhoods. She successfully engaged with the public, council members, and various groups on highly sensitive and controversial matters.
Chief Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University, and a Master of Science in Justice Policy from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. She also piloted a criminal justice and law enforcement program in the East Central Independent School District while becoming a certified public teacher.