The TAPS Academy Board Members
Former HPD Chief Charles McClelland
TAPS Academy Board Member
Mr. Charles A. McClelland Jr., rose through the ranks from the position of
officer to the Chief of the Houston Police Department, the fifth largest
police force in the nation. His management experience touched virtually every aspect of law enforcement throughout his career.
Judge Katherine Thomas
TAPS Academy Board Member
Judge Katherine Thomas serves as the presiding Judge of the 184th Criminal District Court. Her passion lies in making a difference in her community through exemplary leadership and dedicated service.
Dr. Everette Penn
TAPS Academy Board Member
Dr. Penn is Co-founder and currently serves as Executive Director of TAPS Academy. A Professor of Criminology at the University of Houston- Clear Lake, researcher of over 75 publications and criminal justice consultant to governmental and nonprofit agencies, you can find him on two Discovery Channel shows, Caught! and A Killer's Mistake.
Judge Robin Brown
TAPS Academy Board Member
Judge Brown is a 40-plus-year veteran in criminal justice, having served as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and 24 years as an elected Judge of a Harris County Criminal Court. In retirement, she still serves as a substitute judge. She is passionate about treatment courts and helped establish the local Sober Court program for high-risk DWI repeat offenders. Helping youth find skills through TAPS to ensure success is right down her alley.
Tracy Penn
TAPS Academy Board Member
Tracy Penn is an experienced energy lawyer in Houston with over 17 years of delivering strategic, risk-balanced, and pragmatic legal advice to help drive sound and prudent business decisions. Before serving on the TAPS Board, Ms. Penn served on the boards of the Emergency Aid Coalition and KSBJ Radio.
Deacon Joseph John Millhouse
TAPS Academy Board Member
Joe, a longtime Houston resident, served with dedication in Texas law enforcement for over three decades. After retiring, he transitioned to a new calling as a Permanent Deacon at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas, following six years of theological formation.
Carmen Laffey-Bond
TAPS Academy Board Member
Served as a Harris County Adult Probation Officer (1986-1990) before transitioning to a misdemeanor criminal court until 1998. Advanced to a United States Pretrial Services Officer for the Southern District of Texas-Houston Division (1998-2005). Earned a Master’s degree under Dr. Everette Penn at the University of Clear Lake in 2004. Founded and operated a Mitigation, Investigation, and Sentencing company until retirement in 2021. Currently enjoys global travel by boat and plane with a spouse.