Meet Our Team

We are a team of dedicated professionals, ready to do what ever it takes to make your experience easy.

Chad Ellis

Chief Executive Officer

Every step of Chad Ellis’ life journey has led him to his role as CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT). He grew up on his family’s ranch in Lohn, just north of Brady, in the heart of Texas. His rural upbringing engendered a love for the hunting, fishing, and ranching heritage he cherishes.

Darren Clark

Darren Clark

COO and Director of Land Conservation

After a 33-year career with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Darren Clark took on his role with TALT as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Land Conservation in September of 2021. Clark understands that conservation easements are not one-size-fits-all, but that each individual easement needs to be tailored to the needs of the landowner.

Dina McIlhenny

Dina McIlhenny

Director of Finance

Everyone involved in TALT wants to build the organization the right way. They understand that the organization must be sustainable to fulfill the charge of holding conservation easements in perpetuity.

Brenna Gaik

Director of Project Management

Brenna Gaik has been around farmers and ranchers all her life. Her dad was a farm manager for a dairy and hog operation in the state of New York, and her family was also in the rodeo business. Her unique skillset brings balance and efficiency to the TALT family.

Brandon Bennett

General Counsel and Director of Additive Conservation

Brandon grew up in the big sky country north of Abilene, Texas. Like the canyons carved by the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, Brandon’s upbringing on his great grandfather’s ranch shaped his character, seeded his conservation ethic, and endowed him with a natural inclination to look to the frontier.

Andy James

Land Transaction Manager

Andy James’ natural resource career got started at a very tender age. His conservation career was started at 15 when his high school 4-H plant identification team caught the attention of a professor a Texas A&M. That high school connection led to a Bachelor of Science degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management at Texas A&M, followed by a master’s degree in Natural Resource Management at the Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University.

Colin Walden

Land Transaction Manager

I believe in the mission of keeping working lands working. We talk about conserving soil and water for future generations, and if we don’t keep parking lots and subdivisions off some of it, we won’t have any soil and water to conserve.

Hannah Blankenship

Hannah Blankenship

Stewardship Manager

This job is an intersection of my passions. I want to help bridge the understanding gap between urban and rural America. Agriculture is so much more than a weathered cowboy in a beat-up hat. It’s a vital economic and ecological engine that is essential for our wellbeing.

Sandra Vallarde

Sandra Velarde

Manager of Philanthropy

Wide open spaces were a gift, but we took it for granted because it was all we knew. Understanding the need to conserve land so it’s available for the next generation is the first step in actually making it happen.

Kacie Hatsfelt

Communications Manager

Surrounded by agriculture from a young age, I’ve always known my heart belongs to this industry. With a deep commitment to preserving the land for future generations, I’m proud to be a part of TALT’s mission.

Regional Stewards

Brad Pfeil

Gulf Coast Regional Steward

TALT’s mission statement to conserve the Texas heritage of agriculture lands, wildlife habitats, and natural resources were right in line with my passions in life.

Ken Cearley

Ken Cearley

Panhandle Regional Steward

As a child, I fell in love with the land. My entire career has focused on our rural heritage and helping landowners sustain their agricultural operations.

Clay Miller

Trans Pecos Regional Steward

It’s personal for me. I want to do everything I can to help landowners preserve their land legacy for future generations.

Kason Haby

South Central Regional Steward

Passionate about good land stewardship, Kason is eager to help landowners sustain their operations, conserve their family land, and protect that ranching heritage for future generations.

Affiliated Consultants

Lydia Saldana

Communication

Welcome! This is our dedicated team.

Did we say that we would love to work with you? So dont be shy, get in touch!

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