Management Team

James W. Buck

President

Jim has been serving as the President of Texas Legal Protection Plan since November 1, 2007. Prior to joining TLPP, Jim was employed by the Orange County Employees Retirement System from October 1992 to October 2007. During Jim’s tenure at OCERS he served in a number of executive and managerial positions. In April of 2004, Jim was appointed as the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of External Operations of the Orange County Employees Retirement System, having previously served as Chief Operations Officer since December 1999. He also served as the Human Resources Manager and in numerous capacities in the Member Services Department. Jim has nearly 25 years of experience in the field of Human Resources and Benefits Administration; his career began as a Personnelman in the United States Navy. Jim has a Master’s Degree in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor’s Degree (magna cum laude) in Public Administration from the University of La Verne.

Hilary Hunt

Finance Director

Hilary joined Texas Legal Protection Plan in July 2010 after spending six years with Pulte Homes, Inc. Hilary was the Controller for the traditional market in Austin as well as for Sun City Texas. At TLPP, Hilary is responsible for managing the organization’s financial policies and accounting practices, as well as the maintenance of its financial records. Hilary earned her B.S. and Master’s degrees in Accounting from North Carolina State University and is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.

Mary Regalado-Poole

Director of Client and Attorney Services

Mary joined the Membership Department at the Texas Legal Protection Plan in July 2008. After drastically improving the department’s operations and procedures, Mary was given additional responsibility of overseeing the Attorney Services Department.

In December 2010, Mary became Director of Client and Attorney Services overseeing and supporting day to day operations; including production, recruitment and enrollment as well as ensuring that the benefits of the Plan are properly administered.

Mary brings with her over 15 years of experience in the healthcare insurance market in claims, auditing, accounting, provider relations, training and management.

Mary is also a big supporter and believer of Heart House an after school and before home program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens. Mary is also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan.

Stephanie Dodge Smith

Educational Outreach Director

As the Educational Outreach Director, Stephanie is responsible for continuing to increase the organization’s awareness throughout Texas as well as educating the community and our membership about our mission of keeping affordable and effective legal protection accessible to as many Texans as possible. After graduating from the University of Maryland at College Park, Stephanie began her career as a History and Cultural Sciences teacher. Years later she transitioned into the neighboring nonprofit sector in Washington, DC. and successfully ran educational marketing campaigns as well as corporate membership efforts for a national trade association. Stephanie then spent several years as the Director of Membership for the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, a major capacity building organization. A native Texan, Stephanie decided to return to her home state and continue her marketing and business development career. As the Educational Outreach Director, Stephanie connects the Texas Legal Protection Plan with the very community it serves through campaigns, outreach efforts and by volunteering and partnering with other member associations.