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
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
Geraldine retired as Assistant Chief from the San Antonio Police 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.