About Stefani Carter

Stefani D. Carter is a highly accomplished attorney and consultant, experienced public board director, and former Texas State Representative with extensive experience in law, governance, and business leadership. She has built a distinguished career shaping public policy as well as advising businesses, including through her roles on the boards of major publicly traded companies.

Stefani currently serves as Lead Independent Board Director of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: BHR), Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (NASDAQ: WHLR), and an Independent Board Director of Axos Bank as well as its holding company, Axos Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AX). In these roles, she provides strategic oversight on corporate governance, financial management, and risk assessment. She has also chaired key committees, including the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees.

In addition to her corporate leadership, Stefani has been a licensed attorney since 2005, specializing in civil litigation, contractual disputes, and regulatory compliance. She has held positions at top-tier law firms, served as a prosecutor, and advised clients across various industries. She is an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, reinforcing her expertise in dispute resolution.

From 2011 to 2015, Stefani served in the Texas House of Representatives, where she played a pivotal role in legislative budgeting and policy development. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, she contributed to managing a $95 billion state budget and oversaw funding for critical public services. She also served on committees focused on energy policy and criminal justice reform.

Beyond her legal and political career, Stefani is committed to civic engagement. She has served on the boards of organizations such as the Metroplex Business & Civic Association, Dallas HERO, Invest Texas Council, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. She is also the principal of multiple businesses—a legal and consulting firm and a real estate investment company.

Stefani holds a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and dual undergraduate degrees in Government and Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been a frequent guest speaker at Harvard University and is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

With a career spanning law, business, and public service, Stefani continues to make a significant impact through leadership, advocacy, and governance.