Staff and Board

James Martinez brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, advocacy, and public affairs experience to the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA). Throughout his career, he has helped raise millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations across Texas, with experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, institutional fundraising, donor stewardship, and organizational growth.

James was the first Texan and first Hispanic recipient of the Vilar Fellowship at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. During his fellowship, he worked in the Kennedy Center’s major gifts department, supporting relationships with donors at the $25,000-and-above level. He later served as Manager for International Programming, helping lead major international cultural initiatives, including the Festival of Puerto Rico in 2004 and the Festival of China in 2005.

His fundraising career includes major gift cultivation and solicitation, capital campaigns, corporate and foundation giving, and long-term donor relationship management. As a Major Gifts Officer for SAMMinistries, James helped secure one of Harvey E. Najim’s early major philanthropic gifts, a $2 million leadership contribution that helped launch construction of Haven for Hope.

During his tenure with The Alameda, James raised $15.4 million toward a combined $34 million capital campaign to restore the historic Alameda Theatre in partnership with the Kennedy Center and to develop the Museo Alameda in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. His work included cultivating major donors, corporate and foundation partners, and community leaders in support of one of San Antonio’s most significant cultural redevelopment efforts.

James also brings extensive experience in public policy and grassroots advocacy. He played a pivotal role in Smoke-Free San Antonio as a leader of one of the five organizations that formed the coalition. His work included helping draft the proposed ordinance language, serving as a spokesperson before San Antonio City Council and city staff, and coordinating efforts to build grassroots community support for stronger smoke-free protections. Following the successful passage of the ordinance in 2010, James continued this work at the statewide level as State Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association, leading legislative and public policy efforts to advance smoke-free and clean-air policies across Texas.

A Gulf War-era veteran of the United States Air Force, James served with the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, supporting logistics and humanitarian airlift operations.

James studied Business Marketing, with additional coursework in Fine Arts, at San Antonio College and the University of Phoenix. He has been recognized by the San Antonio Business Journal as one of its 40 Under 40 Rising Stars and was selected as a Fellow in Social Venture Partners Class 5.

Outside of his professional work, James has coached girls’ soccer with Alamo Heights Fort Sam Houston for more than 18 years. He enjoys spending time with his children, Skylar, Annika, Bella, Jules, and Maverick.

Patti Oviatt was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and St. Mary’s Law School.  During law school, she served as a staff writer for the St. Mary’s Law Journal and was President of the Women’s Law Association.  She received the Dean’s Leadership Award for 2002 and 2003 and was named the school’s Outstanding Woman Law Graduate by the National Association of Women Lawyers for 2003 

Patti has built her career on a simple but powerful belief: the law matters most when it makes a real difference in people’s lives. With decades of experience spanning complex trial work and highstakes appellate advocacy, she has earned a reputation as a lawyer who brings both exceptional skill and genuine humanity to every case she touches.  Whether in the courtroom or on the page, she is known for her meticulous preparation, sharp analytical instincts, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Beyond her legal accomplishments, Patti is driven by a passion for mentorship. She has guided countless young lawyers, paralegals, and students, offering the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from years of handson experience. Her approach is grounded in generosity and candor—she believes in lifting others up, demystifying the profession, and helping emerging advocates find their voice.  

Patti Oviatt brings a broad range of life, trial, and appellate experience to her role as Managing Attorney. She has spent over twenty years serving as a passionate and effective advocate for her clients and 15 years as a paralegal before deciding to go to law school.  Both her father and husband, Chris, served in the United States armed forces and both of their two grown daughters were born while Chris served on active duty, giving her a deep appreciation of the unique challenges of military members and their families.   

At the heart of Patti’s work is her dedication to helping real people facing real problems. She approaches every client with empathy and respect, recognizing that legal disputes often intersect with some of life’s most stressful moments.  This same passion is demonstrated in her volunteer work, where she has served in many capacities throughout the legal and local community.   

A native of San Antonio, Sam Davis graduated from Winston Churchill High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at Texas State University in 1997.  

After a career in higher education, Sam earned his J.D. at St. Mary’s University School of Law.  After working as a solo practitioner in the Bexar County Children’s Courts, advocating for children and parents in abuse and neglect cases, Sam shifted his focus to the Probate Courts, specializing in guardianship, probate, and estate planning.  He joined the legal services department at Catholic Charities in 2017, where he advocated for families, providing low-cost legal services in Bexar and surrounding counties.  

Sam has been an active volunteer with SALSA and volunteered previously with Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA).  He is a former president of the Probate, Guardianship & Estate Planning section of the San Antonio Bar Association.  

In his spare time, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, reading, running, and cheering for the Spurs!

Tashawna Campbell is a pro bono coordinator with SALSA’s Veterans Legal Services program. Tashawna joined our team in 2018 and has been the backbone of the program during our transition to a full-service pro bono organization. Tashawna has over five years experience exclusively working with underserved residents in Texas, beginning her pro bono services career with Houston Volunteer Lawyers.

Tashawna takes pride in helping veterans, as she comes from a military family. She completed the University of the Incarnate Word Paralegal Certificate Course in 2020.

Cara Villarreal brings a strong background in office management, legal operations, administrative support, and community engagement. Shaped by her experience in both military and legal environments, Cara has worked closely with attorneys in fast-paced legal settings, where she successfully led the development and implementation of workflow reporting systems and process improvement initiatives.

Cara is a U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of service, including assignments with the 10th Mountain Division and 1st Infantry Division, as well as overseas service in Italy, Korea, and Afghanistan. During her military service, she managed logistics, coordinated operations, and supported command teams in high-tempo environments while planning and executing programs and events. Her work contributed to strengthening morale, resilience, and overall mission readiness across diverse and demanding settings.

In addition to her professional career, Cara co-owns Ferocious Fitness Boxing Gym in San Antonio with her husband. Together, they have built a community-focused foundation that supports youth, veterans, and underserved populations through fitness programs, outreach initiatives, and amateur boxing events that promote discipline, confidence, and personal growth.
 
Cara is passionate about giving back to her community and creating positive spaces where individuals can find support and growth. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and remaining involved in the boxing community.

Miranda McCardle is SALSA’s Communications & Outreach Manager. She earned her BA in Marketing at University of the Incarnate Word. Her upbringing in San Antonio impassioned her to give back to her community by empowering artists, small businesses, and non-profits through her marketing and digital design capability.

She has over seven years of legal experience from working as a legal assistant and business manager in a small law firm. Miranda aims to use her multifaceted skill set to help facilitate SALSA’s rapid growth and commitment to closing the justice gap though creating connections to vital legal resources for those in need.