Governor Greg Abbott has appointed six individuals to the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority. Nelda Barrera, Colby McClendon, and Scott Frazier will serve terms ending January 1, 2027. Zachary Davis, Justin Tucker, and Tommy Henderson have been appointed for terms ending January 1, 2028. The authority provides financial assistance to support the expansion and development of Texas agricultural products.
Nelda Barrera from McAllen is retired and formerly 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 of Lavon is a farmer who owns McClendon Farms. He sits on the board of Bear Creek Special Utility District and serves with both the Texas Farm Bureau Collin County and LA3 Regional Committee for the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. He is also involved with Texas Wheat Producers.
Scott Frazier from Chapman Ranch is partner and manager at Scott and Kacy Frazier Farms, Frazier Ag Service, and Thunder Cattle Company. He leads as president of Nueces County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, is a board member for National Sorghum Producers, and participates in London Independent School District Board of Trustees. Frazier earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University.
Zachary Davis resides in Decatur where he works as 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 a member of National Association of County Agricultural Agents, president of Greenwood/Slidell Buyers Association, board member for both Texas Farm Bureau and Wise County Youth Fair. Davis holds degrees from Texas A&M University including a Master’s in Agriculture Science.
Justin Tucker lives in Cameron where he works as senior vice president and agriculture/commercial lender at First National Bank of Bastrop at Falls County Branch. He has degrees from Sam Houston State University including an Executive MBA in Banking/Financial Institutions, plus graduation from Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business.
Tommy Henderson hails from Byers where he farms and ranches; he directs Clay County Farm Bureau Board activities and previously served on the Texas Oklahoma Boundary Commission. Henderson received his Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Texas A&M University.
The Office led by Governor Abbott operates within the executive branch to advance economic growth initiatives across sectors such as agriculture while maintaining its main offices at Austin’s State Insurance Building (source). Governor Abbott has focused efforts on economic opportunities statewide since taking office after his election in 2014 (source).
