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 provides financial assistance for the expansion, development, and diversification of production, processing, marketing, and export of Texas agricultural products.
Nelda Barrera of 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 of Lavon is a farmer who owns McClendon Farms. He is involved with the Bear Creek Special Utility District and the Texas Farm Bureau Collin County Board. He also serves on the LA3 Regional Committee for the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and is a member of 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, sits on the board for National Sorghum Producers, and serves as a trustee for London Independent School District. Frazier earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University.
Zachary Davis resides in Decatur where he works as a county extension agent for Texas A&M AgriLife in Denton County. He is district director for the Texas County Agriculture Agents Association and belongs to the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Davis leads as president of Greenwood/Slidell Buyers Association and serves on boards including the Texas Farm Bureau and Wise County Youth Fair. His academic background includes degrees from Texas A&M University in Agriculture Leadership and Development as well as a Master of Agriculture Science from TAMU – Kingsville.
Justin Tucker lives in Cameron where he is senior vice president at First National Bank of Bastrop’s Falls County Branch specializing in agriculture and commercial lending. Tucker holds both bachelor’s and executive master’s degrees in business administration from Sam Houston State University along with credentials from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business.
Tommy Henderson comes from Byers where he farms and ranches. He directs activities at Clay County Farm Bureau Board and previously served on the Texas Oklahoma Boundary Commission. Henderson received his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Texas A&M University.
The Office led by Governor Greg Abbott forms part of the executive branch overseeing state government operations across Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/). This office focuses on economic development initiatives such as job creation within sectors like agriculture while supporting education enhancement efforts statewide (https://gov.texas.gov/). Under Governor Abbott’s leadership since 2014 (https://gov.texas.gov/), these appointments reflect ongoing priorities to strengthen key industries contributing to state growth.
