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 expiring January 1, 2028. The authority provides financial support for the expansion and development 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 Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show. Barrera is also an event coordinator and fundraising chair 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 owns McClendon Farms and is active on several boards including Bear Creek Special Utility District and Texas Farm Bureau Collin County. He also serves on the LA3 Regional Committee for the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and is involved with Texas Wheat Producers.
Scott Frazier from Chapman Ranch manages Scott and Kacy Frazier Farms, Frazier Ag Service, and Thunder Cattle Company. He leads as president of the Nueces County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, sits on the board of National Sorghum Producers, and serves with 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 a county extension agent for Texas A&M AgriLife in Denton County. He directs at district level for the Texas County Agriculture Agents Association, participates in the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, presides over Greenwood/Slidell Buyers Association, sits on boards at Texas Farm Bureau and Wise County Youth Fair. Davis holds degrees in Agriculture Leadership & Development (bachelor) from TAMU and 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 focusing on agriculture lending. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Finance) as well as an Executive MBA in Banking & Financial Institutions from Sam Houston State University; he also attended Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University Cox School.
Tommy Henderson comes from Byers where he farms and ranches; he directs Clay County Farm Bureau Board activities and formerly served with the Texas Oklahoma Boundary Commission. Henderson earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from TAMU.
The Office led by Governor Abbott forms part of Texas’ executive branch responsible for economic development initiatives such as job growth, education enhancement efforts, border security measures like Operation Lone Star, collaboration with industry partners like Southwest Airlines on economic expansion projects, supporting community certifications through Travel Texas programs (source). Governor Abbott has led this office since his election in 2014 (source), operating primarily out of Austin at the State Insurance Building (source). The office was recognized when Greg Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (source).
