Governor Greg Abbott has appointed six individuals to the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority. Nelda Barrera, Colby McClendon, and Scott Frazier will serve terms expiring on January 1, 2027. Zachary Davis, Justin Tucker, and Tommy Henderson have been appointed for terms ending January 1, 2028. The authority is responsible for providing financial assistance to support the growth and diversification of Texas agricultural products.
Nelda Barrera from McAllen is retired and previously worked as a field representative for the Texas Department of Agriculture. She serves on the boards of the Hidalgo County Farm Bureau and the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show. Barrera also coordinates events and fundraising for the South Texas Cattlemen’s Round Up. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree in agriculture science/horticulture from Texas A&M University–Kingsville.
Colby McClendon from Lavon is a farmer who owns McClendon Farms. He sits on the boards of Bear Creek Special Utility District and Texas Farm Bureau Collin County, and he participates in committees with the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency as well as Texas Wheat Producers.
Scott Frazier from Chapman Ranch manages Scott and Kacy Frazier Farms, Frazier Ag Service, and Thunder Cattle Company. He is president of the Nueces County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, a board member for National Sorghum Producers, and part of London Independent School District’s Board of Trustees. Frazier earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education at Texas A&M University.
Zachary Davis from Decatur works as a county extension agent for Texas A&M AgriLife in Denton County. He also serves as district director for the Texas County Agriculture Agents Association, is active with the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, leads Greenwood/Slidell Buyers Association as president, and sits on boards for both the Texas Farm Bureau and Wise County Youth Fair. Davis received degrees from Texas A&M University including a Bachelor’s in Agriculture Leadership and Development as well as a Master’s in Agriculture Science.
Justin Tucker from Cameron is senior vice president at First National Bank of Bastrop at its Falls County Branch where he specializes in agriculture lending. Tucker holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance along with an Executive MBA focused on Banking from Sam Houston State University; he also completed studies at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business.
Tommy Henderson from Byers works as both farmer and rancher while serving as director on Clay County Farm Bureau Board; he was previously part of the Texas Oklahoma Boundary Commission. Henderson graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Texas A&M University.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott forms part of the executive branch leading state government operations across Texas. Governor Abbott has focused his administration on economic development—including initiatives supporting job creation—and education enhancement throughout his tenure since being elected in 2014 (source). The office maintains its primary headquarters at Austin’s State Insurance Building (source) while working to advance opportunities statewide.
