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• Website Development
• Accounting
• Fundraising
Organizational Impact: Michael and his wife Teri Hughes Fox established the Sebastian Velona Foundation
in 2017 to find a cure for Batten Disease CLN8 – a fatal childhood neurological disorder. The disease causes
progressive blindness, cognitive decline, seizures, and loss of motor function. Children suffering from the dis-
ease typically die in their late teens or early twenties. Currently, there is no cure for this insidious disease. Since
establishing the foundation, Michael has served as a board member, and he is responsible for the day-to-day
operations of the foundation. He has assumed responsibility for nearly every aspect of operating the foundation,
including marketing, advertising, social media, website development, accounting, legal, contract drafting and
negotiations, insurance requirements, fundraising, publicity, event planning, organizing, and staffing. The first
fundraiser, the TPC Wine Gala, raised significant funds for the foundation. Likewise, the Healing Hugs Festival,
the subsequent fundraising event in May 2017, was also a big success. Michael is also responsible for meeting
and coordinating with the scientists and medical professionals who are developing a cure for Batten Disease
CLN8. As a board member, he also oversees the funding of a variety of preliminary scientific studies necessary
for obtaining FDA approval for a human clinical trial, using gene replacement therapy to treat Batten Disease
CLN8. In addition to volunteering for the Sebastian Velona Foundation, Michael is also active in the Paul A.
Hughes Family Foundation. The Paul A. Hughes Family Foundation donates to many charitable organizations
and causes in the Santa Clarita Valley. As a community liaison for the Paul A. Hughes Family Foundation, Mi-
chael attends and volunteers at many of these events. As an attorney, Michael has devoted a significant amount
of time and effort to pro-bono legal work.
Biography: Michael was born and raised in and around Houston, Texas. He attended high school in southeast
Texas, and graduated with honors. Michael attended Texas A&M University earning his Bachelor of Environ-
mental Design Degree from the College of Architecture. Michael then had a decade-long career as an architec-
tural project manager. His career culminated at the international architecture firm Gensler. While at Gensler,
Michael was part of the team that designed Bayou Place - a multi-use entertainment venue in Houston, housing
a concert venue, restaurants, nightclubs and more. While working in architecture, Michael also pursued acting.
In 1997, he worked as a photo-double for Don Johnson in the motion picture “Tin Cup.” In July 1997, Michael
moved to Los Angeles, and enrolled at Southwestern University School of Law. In 1999, Michael began his
legal career with a civil litigation firm in Los Angeles. After a few years, he joined the international law firm
of Sedgwick and successfully defended a Santa Clarita technology company in an intellectual property lawsuit
in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana. Michael also has experience litigating matters involving construction law,
legal malpractice, and catastrophic personal injury. Michael is registered to practice in all California courts and
the United States District Courts for the Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern Districts of California, as well
as the U.S. District Court for Colorado. In 2009, Michael relocated to Valencia, and in 2011, he founded the
Law Office of Michael E. Fox. Also in 2011, Michael met Teri Hughes and they married in 2013. The couple’s
daughter, Skylar Austin, was born in 2016. In his free time, Michael enjoys playing bass guitar in a local band.
He also enjoys photography, wine tasting, cooking, entertaining, traveling, snowboarding and spending time
with his family.

Michael Keesler
Intern, Marriage and Family Therapy
Nominated by SRD – Straightening Reins Foundation
SRD - Straightening Reins Foundation (1 year)
• Marriage and Family therapist intern
• Billing agent
• Community advocate
American Cancer Society (9 years)
• Relay for Life Planning Committee
• Food, Concession, Music, and Entertainment