Jeffrey Scott Tallas

Assistant Presiding Officer
Sugar Land

Jeffrey S. Tallas of Sugar Land was reappointed to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott to serve a six year term ending in 2021. He was originally appointed in 2010 to complete a term for former Director Nancy Porter of Sugar Land who stepped down.

Mr. Tallas is owner of Jeff Tallas Insurance and Financial Services. He is a board member of the Fort Bend County Literacy Council, a leadership graduate of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and Fort Bend County Chamber leadership program and a fellow of the American College Life Underwriter Training Council Insurance Program.

He is a past board member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Rotary Club of Sugar Land, Past District Governor for Rotary International District 5890 and past president of the Texas A&M Houston Reveille Club.

Mr. Tallas received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. He is married to Tracee Tallas of Baton Rouge, La. and has two sons, Lawson age 3 and Connor age 5.

Term of Service: 2015 - 2021

Cynthia A. Flores

Presiding Officer
Round Rock

Cynthia Flores of Round Rock was appointed to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors in 2015 by Governor Greg Abbott. She replaces Sara L. Mackie of Salado, whose term has expired.

In 2008, she graduated from Leadership Round Rock and began serving as an ambassador for the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. She will serve on their Board of Directors in 2016.

Mrs. Flores served as a board member of the Williamson Burnet County Opportunities, Inc. from 2009 – 2015 and as a board member for Footprints Children’s Grief Ministry in 2015. She participates in the Williamson County Nonprofit Network group as well as the Catholic Business Network and Ministerial Fellowship groups.

Mrs. Flores received a Bachelor of Science degree from University of North Texas. She and her husband, Rene, have two children and live in Round Rock.

Term of Service: Mrs. Flores serves at the pleasure of the Governor of Texas.

W. Wintford Taylor, III

Secretary
Waco

W. Wintford “Ford” Taylor III of Waco was named to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott. He replaces Mrs. Kari Belt of Gatesville whose term has expired.

Mr. Taylor received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Texas Tech University. He is president and chief executive officer of Wm. Taylor & Co., a commercial general construction firm.

Mr. Taylor is a member of the Association of General Contractors – Texas Building Branch Board of Directors, serving as the state director for the Central Texas Associated General Contractors, and a member of Rotary Club of Waco. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trustees for Camp Allen – Episcopal Diocese of Texas. He is past chairman of Waco Planning Commission, member of Waco Business League, and a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Term of Service: 2015 - 2021

Thomas Abraham

Sugar Land

Thomas Abraham of Sugar Land is the president and chief executive officer of Transtar AC Supply. Abraham received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tampa and a Master of Business Administration from Delhi University.

Gary Boren

Lubbock

Gary Boren of Lubbock is a retired businessman and music producer after 40 years as senior vice president of G. Boren Services, Inc. - Regional Human Resource | EVENT MGT | Security FIRM. Additionally, he managed staff and produced and promoted national and international entertainers. He is a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Texas Tech Red Raider Club, Texas Tech Chancellor’s Council, Texas Tech Society of the SPUR, South Plains Workforce Solutions, International Association of Venue Managers, and the Society of Human Resource Management. He is a former City Councilman for the City of Lubbock, and previously served on the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees as president. Boren received a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University.

Mike Fernandez

Abilene

Mike Fernandez of Abilene is executive vice president and chief financial officer and a member of the Board of Directors at Texas National Bank in Sweetwater. He serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Abilene, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Abilene Industrial Foundation, Community Foundation of Abilene’s Future Fund, and Independent Bankers Association of Texas. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees for St. John’s Episcopal School. Fernandez received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University – San Antonio, and he attended the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he served as first vice president.

Jennifer “Jen” Henderson

Round Rock

Jennifer Henderson was appointed to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors by Gov. Greg Abbott in February 2019.

Mrs. Henderson is a project manager and land development engineer at M&S Engineering. She received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University and currently holds a Professional Engineering License from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers.

She is a member of the American Society of Professional Engineers and the Round Rock Noon Rotary. She is the alternate vice-chair of the Round Rock Planning and Zoning Commission, chair of Round Rock Independent School District Student Health Advisory Council, the community coordinator for Healthy Kids Running Series-Round Rock, and chair of the Local Legends Selection Committee.

A Round Rock resident, Mrs. Henderson and her husband Clinton have two children.

Term of Service: 2019 - 2023

Rick Huber

Granbury

Charles Richard “Rick” Huber III of Granbury was named to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott. He replaces Todd Brashears of Wolfforth whose term has expired.

Mr. Huber received a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University. He is a retired American Airlines captain and a retired pilot with the United States Air Force.

Mr. Huber is a member of the Fort Worth Air Power Council and the Grey Eagles. Additionally, he serves as chairman of the Hood County Appraisal Review Board and is a member of the Granbury Regional Airport Advisory Board, Leadership Granbury Board of Directors, Lakeside Baptist Academy Board of Directors, and vice-president of Mesa Grande Water Supply Corporation. He was named Leadership Granbury Board Member of the Year for 2014-2015.

Term of Service: 2015 - 2021

Judy Ann Krohn, Ph.D.

Georgetown

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Judy Ann Krohn, Ph.D. of Georgetown to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors in February 2019.

Dr. Krohn is retired from a career in education, training, and professional development. She holds a doctorate in education administration. Throughout her professional experiences in school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and the University of Texas at Austin, she dedicated her efforts, energy, and enthusiasm to students and the educators that touched their lives.

Over the years, Dr. Krohn has received several honors including being named the Leander ISD Teacher of the Year, receiving the TEA Department of Accountability and Evaluations Service Leadership Award, and the TEA J. Warren Hitt Distinguished Service Award.

Today, she pursues her lifelong passions of continuous learning and giving back to the community through her volunteer work with the Georgetown Police Department and global travel.

Term of Service: 2019 - 2023

Traci Garrett LaChance

Danbury

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Traci Garrett LaChance of Danbury to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors in February 2019.

Mrs. LaChance is the U.S. Production Lead for RiceTec, Inc., which drives sustainable food production through rice seed technologies and makes a positive impact on farmers, employees and stakeholders. She has been in the seed rice business for 25 years. Mrs. LaChance and her husband are owners of Sonic Drive-Ins in Brazoria and Galveston counties.

Born in Dallas, Mrs. LaChance received a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from the University of Houston. She attended Danbury High School. Mrs. LaChance is a Board member for Our Lady Queen of Peace School. She is a member of Share the Harvest Foundation, the Alliance of Brazoria County, and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She volunteers with Military Moms & Wives of Brazoria County and RiceTec Community Outreach.

Mrs. LaChance is married to husband, Paul. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Term of Service: 2019 - 2023

Jim Lattimore, Jr.

Graford

James P. “Jim” Lattimore, Jr. of Graford was appointed to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors in December 2016 to replace William Arthur “Bill” Masterson of Guthrie. Mr. Lattimore’s term will expire on February 1, 2019.

Mr. Lattimore’s professional career included service as an executive with several major environmental services companies as well as operations in oil and gas, farming and ranching. He continues his professional involvement in business investments and consulting.

He is owner of The Lattimore Company and is a member of numerous professional, church and civic organizations. Additionally, he is a former director and immediate past president of the Possum Kingdom Lake Association.

Mr. Lattimore received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

Term of Service: 2016 - 2019

Royce Lesley

Comanche

Appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in February 2019, Mr. Lesley is the owner-operator of his family farm and ranch.

Mr. Lesley received a degree in agricultural education from Tarleton State University. He has served on the boards of Comanche Central Appraisal District, AgTexas Farm Credit for 12 years, and Comanche Electric Cooperative Association, where he was chairman for five years.

Term of Service: 2018 - 2023

Wesley D. Lloyd

Waco

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Wesley Lloyd of Waco to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors in July, 2016.

Mr. Lloyd is an attorney with Freeman Mills PC, where he handles litigation and appeals primarily in disputes involving upstream oil and gas operations and midstream pipelines. Mr. Lloyd is board certified in Oil, Gas & Mineral Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, but also has considerable experience in water and environmental law. In 2011, he received the Young Lawyer of the Year Award from the McLennan County Bar Association. He has been named a “Rising Star” in Energy Law by Texas Monthly Magazine each year since 2012.

Mr. Lloyd is active in the community, serving in leadership positions for several different organizations. He also served for 8 years as Governor Perry’s appointee on two statewide boards responsible for leasing state land for oil and gas development.

Mr. Lloyd earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech School of Law. He and his wife Kristi have five children, along with a Weimaraner that Kristi commonly refers to as her “first born.”

Term of Service: 2016 - 2019

John H. Luton

Granbury

John Henry Luton of Granbury was appointed to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott. He replaces Chet Creel of Newcastle whose term has expired.

Mr. Luton is chairman of the Board of First National Bank of Granbury. Mr. Luton received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and after serving in the United States Air Force, he received an honorable discharge.

He is a member of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He has served on the boards of the Brazos Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. Additionally, he is a member of the Texas Aggie Band Association, Former Students Association, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Association, and the Champions Council of the 12th Man Foundation.

Term of Service: 2015 - 2021

W.J. "Bill" Rankin

Brenham

W.J. “Bill” Rankin of Brenham is retired chief financial officer, treasurer and board member at Blue Bell Creameries, Inc. He was reappointed to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbot to serve a six-year term set to expire in 2021. Mr. Rankin was originally appointed to the Board of Directors in 2011 to complete a term vacated by John Steinmetz of Lubbock.

Mr. Rankin is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Texas Society of CPAs. He is a board member and past president of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Brenham Noon Lions Club, Washington County Texas A&M Club, and president of Abiding Word Lutheran Church of Brenham. He is also past president and a past board member of the Brenham Independent School District, and a past chair and past board member of Lutheran Social Services of the South.

Mr. Rankin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Sul Ross University. He also served as a pilot in the US Air Force. He and his wife Lois live in Brenham.

Term of Service: 2015 - 2021

Austin Ruiz, O.D.

Harker Heights

Austin Ruiz, O.D. of Harker Heights is the owner and optometrist with Killeen Vision Source. He is a member of the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, American Board of Optometry, and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. In addition, he is a board member on the Central Texas Workforce Commission and a member of the Killeen Noon Lions Club and Killeen Food Bank. Ruiz received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Alan K. Sandersen

Sugar Land

Appointed by Gov. Greg Abbot in February 2019, Mr. Alan K. Sandersen of Sugar Land is a CPA and partner with Sandersen & Scheffer, PLLC.

Mr. Sandersen received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Texas A&M University. He is a former appointee to the Texas Veterans Land Board and has served the as an elected official with infrastructure related entities as well as in appointed positions including president of the Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corporation and the Houston Galveston Area Council Committee on Aging.

Mr. Sandersen served with the Texas Army National Guard as a Corps of Engineers officer for eight years when he was honorably discharged. He is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the Society of American Military Engineers.

He and his wife, Jonika, have two grown daughters.

Term of Service: 2019 - 2023

David Savage

Katy

David Savage of Katy was appointed to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors in 2019 by Governor Greg Abbott. He replaces Dave Scott, III of Richmond, whose term expired.

Mr. Savage graduated in 1982 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He became a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas in 1987. His initial assignment with Turner Collie & Braden Consulting Engineers involved the hydrology and hydraulic modeling for all 21 watersheds in Harris County for the Harris County Flood Control District. He moved to their Austin office in 1984 where he designed the South Austin Onion Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In 1987, Mr. Savage joined Nalco Chemical Company, the global leader in industrial water treatment. He retired from Nalco Champion, an Ecolab Company in November 2018, after 31 years of global experience in industrial water and wastewater treatment helping energy industry customers conserve and reuse water. Currently he is Senior Director Contracts & Commercial for Team Industrial Services at their Sugar Land Headquarters.

Mr. Savage is a member of the Strategic Account Management Association, American Fuels & Petrochemicals Manufacturers, and the American Chemistry Council. He is a deacon at Second Baptist Church and former Council Cabinet member of the World Affairs Council of Houston.

Term of Service: 2019 - 2025

Jarrod D. Smith

Danbury

Jarrod D. Smith of Danbury was named to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott to complete the term of Cynthia Bourland of Round Rock who resigned to accept a state appointment.

Mr. Smith received a bachelor’s degree from University of Houston Clear Lake and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Southern University. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Brazoria County Bar Association, and Texas Land Title Association.

Additionally, Mr. Smith is a member of the Alvin Community College Foundation Board of Directors. He previously served as secretary of the Brazoria County ESD #3, secretary of the Angleton Downtown Revitalization Corporation, and is a member of the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corporation.

Term of Service: 2015 - 2017

R. Wayne Wilson

Bryan

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Wayne Wilson of Bryan to the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors in February 2019.

Mr. Wilson owns and operates Wilson Cattle Company, a diversified stocker operation. He currently serves as Chairman of Brazos G Regional Water Planning Group and on the board of directors of RVOS Farm Mutual Insurance Group of Companies. In addition, he served as former board chair of Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, past director of Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District and Capital Farm Credit, ACA.

Mr. Wilson is a member of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, National Rifle Association, and formally was a member of the National Federation of Independent Business. He attends Christland Church.

Mr. Wilson married Linda Scasta in 1979. They have one daughter and three grandchildren.

Term of Service: 2019 - 2023

Darren G. Yancy, Sr.

Burleson

Darren G. Yancy, Sr. of Burleson is a consultant for HUB International Insurance Services and co-host of the Automotive Edge Radio Show & Truck Talk, a consumer education talk show. Prior to joining HUB and the launch of the radio show, he was an independent consultant and managing member for his family business for over 25 years. He has over 26 years in insurance and financial services, as well as over 16 years in commercial real estate and business brokerage. In addition, he is also serving as the secretary/treasurer of the Johnson County Emergency Services District #1. Yancy received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from The University of Texas at Arlington.