As part of our expansion efforts, the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation (CHPP) has launched a new initiative, the East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative. East Texas is unlike any of the models and provides CHPP with an opportunity to develop and test a new model for helping to expand heirs’ property expertise in the southern region. In East Texas, there is no existing nonprofit legal entity or existing coordinating organization. There is, however, deep interest and expressed commitment to addressing heirs’ property. We are elated to collaborate with entities who have worked in this space and help guide what supporting families require when mitigating this complex land issue.
Our Team
As the Consulting Project Director for the East Texas Heirs’ Property initiative, Dr. Cooper is primarily focused on establishing and facilitating an advisory board, identifying and engaging initial staff to support the work of developing systems for landowner engagement and recruitment. He is also laying the foundation for fundraising (or “friendraising”), developing initial communications materials, and establishing systems for research and evaluation.
Dr. Cooper’s research, teaching and practice focus on participatory planning and helping marginalized communities identify and leverage local assets to maximize their potential. Dr. Cooper previously served on the board of directors for the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. Prior to joining Texas A&M, he managed MDC’s role in the Kellogg Foundation’s Rural People Rural Policy initiative, which focused on helping networks of rural leaders develop policy research and advocacy skills. Dr. Cooper earned a bachelor's degree in economics as well as his master's in urban planning from Texas A&M before completing a PhD in City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Dr. John Cooper, Consulting Project Director
Jennifer Mouton Robinson, Senior Attorney
As Senior Attorney for the East Texas Heirs’ Property initiative, Attorney Mouton Robinson works with CHPP to understand heirs’ property in Texas and to conform CHPP documentation, policies and processes to comply with Texas law. She provides legal counsel to landowners and conducts education seminars for landowners.
Attorney Mouton Robinson has more than 32 years of experience advising on real estate issues. Her practice area has focused on general real estate matters, real estate contract review, landlord tenant issues and eminent domain. She has represented numerous clients in real estate contract disputes, condemnation lawsuits and in dealing with various real estate issues.
Ms. Mouton, who has a B.A. in economics from University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law.
