East Texas Heirs' Property Initiative
As part of our expansion efforts, the Center for Heirs’ Property® (CHP) has launched a new initiative, the East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative.
About The Initiative
East Texas is unlike any of the models and provides CHP 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.
Meet The East Texas Team
Dr. John Cooper, Consulting Project Director
Dr. John Cooper leads the Center for Heirs’ Property’s East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative (ETHPi), where he is implementing CHP’s model in a region without an existing coordinating organization while helping to shape a next-generation approach for expansion.
He is responsible for building the initiative’s foundation—establishing an advisory board, engaging initial staff, and developing systems for landowner outreach, recruitment, and support. He works within CHP’s communications and operational infrastructure to advance fundraising, engagement, and evaluation efforts that support the initiative’s growth.
Unlike CHP’s work with implementation partners, ETHPi is a direct initiative of CHP, built from the ground up in response to community demand. By customizing CHP’s proven model to this context, Dr. Cooper is helping create a replicable pathway for delivering heirs’ property support in communities where infrastructure must be developed from inception.
Dr. Cooper’s work centers on participatory planning and community-based development, helping communities leverage local assets to drive sustainable outcomes. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Jennifer Robinson, Senior Attorney
As Senior Attorney for the East Texas Heirs’ Property initiative, Attorney Jennifer Robinson works with CHP to understand heirs’ property in Texas and to conform CHP documentation, policies and processes to comply with Texas law. She provides legal counsel to landowners and conducts education seminars for landowners.
Attorney Jennifer 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. Robinson, 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.
Keyshawn McMiller, ETHPi Program Coordinator
Keyshawn McMiller is a Program Coordinator with the Center for Heirs’ Property®, where he supports outreach, education, and community engagement efforts through the East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative (ETHPi). With a background in social work, education, and community development, he is passionate about helping families preserve generational wealth, navigate heirs’ property challenges, and access resources that strengthen land ownership and family legacy.
Keyshawn holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Florida A&M University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Educational Studies from the University of Michigan as well. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives focused on community engagement, educational equity, restorative practices, and capacity building across nonprofit, educational, and philanthropic sectors.
Above all, Keyshawn is committed to empowering communities, preserving family histories, and creating pathways for long-term economic stability and intergenerational success.
Patricia Lester, Paralegal
With more than 15 years of experience in the legal field, Patricia currently serves as a paralegal to attorney Jennifer Robinson in Texas. For over a decade, she has specialized in estate planning and probate, helping individuals and families navigate the legal process with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
Patricia earned an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Paralegal Studies and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies to further strengthen her knowledge and expertise.
She is passionate about helping families take proactive steps to protect their assets and preserve their legacy by minimizing unnecessary probate whenever possible. Patricia finds great fulfillment in guiding clients through the estate planning process, ensuring they have the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions that benefit both themselves and future generations.
Susan Garcia, Executive Assistant
Susan Garcia brings more than four decades of legal and executive support experience to her role as Executive Assistant to John Cooper at ETHPi. Throughout her career, she has provided strategic administrative and operational leadership for corporate legal departments, law firms, and executive teams, helping organizations navigate complex legal, regulatory, and governance matters.
Her extensive background includes supporting attorneys in corporate, regulatory, and intellectual property law while managing critical business functions ranging from corporate governance and board administration to regulatory filings, patent management, and organizational operations. Susan has contributed to legal work involving environmental innovation, public utility regulation, corporate compliance, and executive reporting for some of the nation’s leading companies and legal practices.
Beyond her legal expertise, Susan has led operational improvements, supported technology implementation and employee onboarding, managed large-scale corporate records, and developed efficient processes that strengthen organizational effectiveness. Her commitment to excellence and continuous professional growth earned her the Certified Legal Manager (CLM) designation in 2015, and she is also a Texas Notary Public.
Susan’s career reflects a dedication to integrity, service, and behind-the-scenes leadership that enables organizations and the people they serve to thrive.
Alexis Martin, Regional Forester
Alexis serves as the Land Utilization Specialist for the East Texas Heirs Property Initiative, an out of state replication of CHP’s service model. Key responsibilities include networking with established organizations in East Texas and engaging with landowners to determine the best approach to land use for their properties. Supporting the CHP mission, emphasis is on creating working landscapes that generate income.
Alexis created a 2-acre forest garden and went on to study water & soil sciences at the University of Georgia, receiving a Master’s Degree in Community Forestry & Arboriculture to kick start a career in natural resources. In 2023 she joined The Center as a forester and focused heavily on building the 80-acre agroforestry demonstration farm that CHP manages on St. Helena Island, SC. Leading community engagement and creating space that the community can enjoy, Alexis takes an organic approach to land management and highlights culturally relevant, edible, and native species that can be monetized into value-added products.
Contact Us
- 9800 Richmond Ave, Suite 595 Houston, TX 77042
- 346.771.7055 x313
- 843.745.7054
East Texas Heirs’ Property Events
As part of our growing commitment to East Texas, we host community events that bring critical resources directly to families. These include free legal education, one-on-one support, and practical tools to help landowners resolve heirs’ property issues, manage their land, and preserve their legacy.
The Texas Heirs’ Property Coalition would like to invite you to the Texas Heirs' Property Summit on March 25-26, 2026 in Houston, TX. This event will bring together professionals, students, and interested stakeholders to better understand the issue, explore solutions and build connections with heirs’ property practitioners and supporters across the state. During this inaugural gathering, nonprofit leaders and experts in the field will share resources, experiences, and proven approaches that protect homeownership, stabilize communities, and preserve intergenerational wealth. Attendees will leave with knowledge of practical interventions and approaches, new connections with stakeholders from across the state, and insights into heirs’ property challenges to advance solutions in their Texas community. READ MORE
In conjunction with the summit, attendees can choose to participate in a day-long Estate Planning Heirs’ Property Training for Housing Counselors provided by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) on March 26. This training will equip housing counselors and other community advisors with the information they need to incorporate estate planning information into their home buyer and financial education programs. Participants will also receive information on how to develop referral networks to connect clients with appropriate legal services.
Participants may register as a stand-alone training or as part of the full Summit. Please feel free to share this invitation with others in your network.
This event is made possible with generous support of JPMorganChase.
Registration Cost:
Summit Only (General) – $125
Summit Only (Nonprofit & Student) – $75
Summit + Training – $100
Training Only – $50
