Legal Allegations Against Texas Business Leader
A prominent business leader in Texas is facing serious legal allegations, including sexual assault, harassment, and career retaliation. Glenn Hamer, the CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), is being sued by a woman who claims he engaged in inappropriate behavior while serving as both her mentor and the chairman of an organization she founded.
The lawsuit was filed by attorney Tony Buzbee on behalf of "Jane Doe," a pseudonym used to protect the plaintiff's identity. The case seeks over $10 million in damages and includes a demand for a jury trial. According to Buzbee, the TAB Board of Directors has placed Hamer on administrative leave while it conducts a full internal investigation into the claims.
Background of the Case
The complaint details allegations that Hamer leveraged his political and business influence to pursue a sexual relationship with Jane Doe starting in 2022. It also claims that when she rejected his advances, he retaliated against her by using his authority to harm her career. The lawsuit names the Texas Association of Business as a defendant, alleging negligence, retaliation, and vicarious liability.
Jane Doe is the founder and executive director of the Texas Venture Alliance (TVA), a statewide innovation and startup advocacy group. In a video statement, Buzbee described Doe as an accomplished and respected young woman who built TVA, created marketing and fundraising strategies, and quickly became well regarded by colleagues and industry partners.
Abuse of Power and Alleged Sexual Assault
According to the lawsuit, Hamer became chairman of the organization in 2024 after helping secure a large corporate donation, giving him direct control over Doe’s income and the organization’s funding. As their professional relationship grew, Buzbee claims that Hamer offered introductions, resources, and benefits for both her and TVA.
However, the situation escalated when Doe attempted to set boundaries and made it clear she did not want a romantic relationship. Buzbee alleges that Hamer “begged, pleaded, harassed, and even cried” when she refused. The complaint states that Hamer’s conduct worsened in May 2025, when he invited Doe to meet in Austin under the pretense of discussing business. Instead, the lawsuit claims, Hamer repeatedly propositioned her before attempting to remove her pants, climbing on top of her, and assaulting her while intoxicated.
Doe resisted and eventually left the room, and Hamer later apologized and offered her cash to “forget about it.” In his video statement, Buzbee said this incident was one of multiple occasions in which Doe claims Hamer behaved inappropriately, including episodes where he allegedly chased her barefoot through a hotel, followed her through hallways in pajamas, and continued making unwanted advances in Denton and Washington, D.C.
Stalking and Career Sabotage
The lawsuit also claims that when Doe continued to refuse Hamer’s advances, he retaliated by threatening to withdraw support for events, diverting funding opportunities away from the Texas Venture Alliance, and steering donations toward TAB or competing organizations. The complaint further alleges that Hamer copied her professional ideas, undermined her business relationships, and damaged her reputation across the state’s business community.
Buzbee added that Hamer made additional unwanted advances during events in Denton and Washington, D.C., and that he stalked Doe at conferences and hotels, causing her fear and distress. Doe accuses Hamer of using his standing as head of the state’s most influential business group to isolate her and impede her career.
Damages and Next Steps
The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Jane Doe is demanding a jury trial. Buzbee stated that the case is pending in Travis County and hopes to secure a trial date within 18 months.
In a statement from the TAB Board of Directors Chair, Bill Jones, the board confirmed that Hamer has been placed on administrative leave while it conducts a full internal investigation. Megan Mauro, the TAB Vice President and Chief of Staff, will serve as interim CEO during this time.
Buzbee called on the TAB board to conduct a “robust investigation” and to prevent any further retaliation against Doe. He also encouraged anyone with relevant information or similar experiences to contact his firm.
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