Built on Experience.
Trusted for Value and Impact.

Gail Davis’ decades of experience in corporate marketing and event management served as the launch pad for GDA Speakers. Before establishing the company in 1999, she spent 20 years managing the events of the Dallas-based global technology conglomerate - Electronic Data Systems (EDS) - founded by Ross Perot. While at EDS, she discovered Nando Parrado, a heroic survivor of the 1972 Andes plane crash. Parrado presented an unforgettable speech at EDS’ marquee event. Shortly after his successful keynote, Parrado signed an exclusive agreement with Davis, as it was her efforts that convinced him to share his story after so many years. It was this partnership with Parrado that eventually anchored the creation of GDA Speakers.

Davis is credited with bringing Parrado’s harrowing experience to life in The New York Times best-selling book, Miracle in the Andes. Over twenty-five years later, GDA Speakers continues to represent Parrado. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Andes crash, his story was told through the Netflix movie, The Society of the Snow.

Davis continues to discover new talent and under her passionate leadership, GDA Speakers delivers vetted and curated highly qualified speakers to clients with confidence.

Her successful business approach led to her being named the 2011-2012 President of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB). Previously developing new and improved education programs in her role as an IASB Governor, she has won numerous awards, including the 2015 John Palmer Award, 2011 President’s Award, 2010 Above and Beyond Award, and the 2007 PaceSetter Award.

Davis is a frequent guest on podcasts, sharing entrepreneurial insights, lessons in innovative leadership, and her vast knowledge of the speaker industry. Davis is an active member of the Entrepreneur Organization and a supporter of numerous community organizations. She was the co-chair of the 2025 Genesis Women's Shelter Annual Luncheon. This was her second time to chair a luncheon building off of the 2014 Soup’s On! Luncheon, the major fundraising force of The Stewpot Alliance. Serving on the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College Board of Visitors from 2014-2022, she was awarded the 2018 Gaylord Distinguished Alumni Award. She was also honored by the Dallas Business Journal as one of Dallas’ Top 25 Women in Business.

Being drawn to the mountains, Davis enjoys hiking and has recently traversed 43 miles in Zion National Park. Merging her love for hiking and serving the community, she has also hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim as a part of a fundraiser for Project Athena and has walked over 120 miles on the Camino de Santiago hike in Spain. She is an Oklahoma native, graduating from the Gaylord College at the University of Oklahoma, and currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

Kerris Willett is the Chief Operating Officer for GDA Speakers. She is adept at leading teams and tailoring strategies for team growth. Her excellent communication, relationship building and problem solving abilities are essential qualities she brings to GDA Speakers. Kerris earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She is goal driven, detail oriented and here to provide a premier experience for our clients and consistently support the GDA team.

Debbie Barela is a Senior Vice President for GDA Speakers. Debbie utilizes her decade of industry expertise to find the perfect speaker for her curated list of clients spanning multiple industries. Debbie has a love for people and a passion for efficiency, which helps her get things done and build collaborative relationships. With a strong background in the event and speaker industry, her goal is to help create an easy, exceptional, and successful experience for each GDA client, again and again.

Trish Halligan is a Vice President for GDA Speakers. She brings 25 years of experience in event management and program design. Trish provides expertise to government organizations, non-profits in the domestic violence and substance abuse/recovery space, multi-level marketing, banking and financial, and insurance groups. Having been a founding member of two international conference brands for the banknote production and circulation industry, she led or participated in the execution of events in 20 countries and managed relationships in 14 others.

Brooke Posey is an Account Manager for GDA Speakers. She received her degree in Human Relations with a minor in General Business from the University of Oklahoma. Brooke is a reliable and goal-oriented team player who values being a trusted partner to clients. You can usually find this native Oklahoman enjoying live music at concerts in her off-hours.

Yazmin Garcia is an Account Manager for GDA Speakers. She embodies versatility with a knack for creative problem solving and attention to detail. Fluent in Spanish, she connects with clients seamlessly in both English and Spanish to support their event needs. Proud to be part of a women owned and operated team, Yazmin thrives on contributing innovative solutions and being pushed outside of her comfort zone - which includes taking horseback riding lessons in her spare time.

Mikayla Bowen is the Marketing & Speaker Relations Manager for GDA Speakers. Though she wears multiple hats within her role, her sole goal is to create the ultimate client experience. Graduating from Dallas Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Mikayla is passionate about channeling her creative expertise and altruism to enable GDA to stand out above the rest.

Drusilla Blakey is the Accounting & Office Manager and vital member of the GDA Speakers team, responsible for overseeing and managing the company's accounting operations. Drusilla brings a unique and extensive background to this role, combining over 14 years of experience in public accounting with six years of expertise in international meeting and event organization, and six years of experience within a speakers bureau. Fluent in Spanish, she facilitates accurate and efficient communication with clients and vendors in both English and Spanish. Her commitment to exceptional service, coupled with her robust financial acumen, ensures the efficient and accurate management of GDA Speakers' financial activities.

Adrienne Metzig is the Executive Assistant to Gail Davis and an Event Manager for GDA Speakers. Having assisted many high level executives and managing large events and projects for her own business, Adrienne enjoys tending to the details that help create an experience of lasting impact for others. She earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's degree from Abilene Christian University. Adrienne represents GDA while enjoying the mountain life of Colorado.