Open Office Hours with the Experts

Join us for "Open Office Hours" with these expert panelists as they share how they have assisted charities and donors with making meaningful gifts — including success stories, obstacles and other issues that occur and need to be resolved. A moderator will lead the discussion, and attendees will be given the chance to ask questions!  

About Our Speakers

T. Aaron Dobbs oversees the fiduciary practice for the Houston and Austin offices, including responsibility for new business review, risk management and internal development of our fiduciary partners. Aaron is also a relationship manager responsible for the administration of complex structures for individuals and families.

Prior to joining Northern, Aaron was a practicing lawyer for almost 18 years. Most recently, Aaron was a partner in the Trusts & Estates practice at Gray Reed & McGraw LLP where he guided beneficiaries, trustees, and executors through all aspects of estate and trust administration, probate, and fiduciary and trust litigation. During the 80th Session of the Texas Legislature, Aaron served as a legislative counsel where he was a member of the team of lawyers responsible for drafting the first installment of the Texas Estates Code.

Aaron is a member of Preservation Houston – a historic preservation education and advocacy organization. He previously served as president of the board of directors of a nonprofit organization providing emergency shelter, counseling, and life changing services to abused and neglected youth.

Jacqueline Gartland is a Special Care Planner with Strategic Financial Group. Jacqueline’s diverse client base is a direct testament to the diversity she experienced in her youth. Being born in America and raised internationally as a “third coast kid” has enabled Jacqueline to have a unique approach for each of her clients to help tackle their individual financial needs.

Her financial process is centered around many initiatives. Whether it’s empowering families that have dependents with acquired or congenital specials needs or assisting families in creating a proper life care plan, Jacqueline’s goal is to help her clients create a legacy for years to come. Jacqueline and her team of experienced financial professionals are here to help families not only handle the burden of financial risk, but also help create a protection plan.

Jacqueline is deeply embedded in her local community, both philanthropically and through her non-profit work. She served or is currently serving on the following boards:

• Founding Member U.S Committee for UNICEF 1992 – 2004

• Mercy Foundation Houston / Monterey Mexico 1998 – 2005

• Capital Campaign for Hobby Center for Performing Arts 2002 – Current

• UTMB Galveston 1992 – 1998

• Planned Giving Council of Houston 2011 – 2018

• Social Motions – Houston 2013 – 2020

She credits her two grown children with giving her insight and perspective, and they are the inspiration behind her becoming a Special Care Planner.

Rod Koenig has been practicing law in the Houston office for over five decades.  His broad and extensive experience includes estate planning, estate administration, creation of trusts, foundations, charitable trusts, insurance trusts, controversies, international estate planning, including qualified domestic trusts for resident and non-resident aliens.

Rod focuses on the representation of trust fiduciaries and beneficiaries in controversy, administration and tax matters, retirement plan and IRA distributions, and advising on insurance and creditor protection planning.

Rod served in the U.S. Navy as both Chief Engineer and Bridge Officer on destroyers during the Vietnam War.

Important Notices: