Beyond the Boardroom | Our Directors
- Ellen Groth
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
EACH one of our directors brings a wide variety of exceptional professional and personal experience to UCRA's table. They work in an advisory capacity to provide support to UCRA staff and to represent all 14 counties in UCRA's territory. Their agency oversight and active engagement have been and continues to be immeasurable to the staff and to UCRA's constituents. Once you read all about them, you will understand why we think so highly of our directors!
LET'S BEGIN....
MEET NANCY BLACKWELL
Seven Years on the Board
Represents Runnels County
Director
Board Chairperson
Ex-Officio to All Committees
Nancy is our fearless leader! She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A & M University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas & Florida and has been in practice for 30 years. Nancy was recognized as Houston's "Young Engineer of the Year" and received Fellow designation with the National Society of Engineers. She's the Chairperson of the Texas Engineering Foundation, National MOUTHCOUNTS Foundation Chairperson and a lay leader for First Methodist Church in Ballinger.
Why UCRA? My professional experience is in the field of water supply and wastewater treatment, and I was excited for the opportunity to serve on a board that focuses on the importance of water in West Texas.
What excites you most about UCRA? I am excited about new opportunities to provide water resources in our service area and to educate our residents about the importance of clean water.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? I would like to see UCRA recognized as an authority on water resources and clean water actions in the Concho Valley and surrounding areas.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Listen more than you talk.
Any advice for your younger self? Have more faith in yourself and your decisions, everything will work out the way it is supposed to.
What do you do in your down time? I enjoy hanging out with my two dachshunds, making stained glass windows & crafting activities, and traveling recreationally.
MEET ERICA HALL
Seven Years on the Board
Represents Taylor County
Director
Board Vice-Chairperson
Personnel Committee Chairperson
Finance Committee
Erica is a champion of the people! She is currently a private practice attorney in Abilene but formerly served as Taylor County Assistant District Attorney. Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A & M University and a Juris Doctor from the Texas Tech University School of Law. She was "Volunteer of the Year" for National Children’s Center for Illustrated Literature and is a Texas Bard Foundation Life Fellow. She received the State Bar of Texas Outstanding Service Award as the Chairperson for the District 14 Grievance Committee.
Why UCRA? I believe that water is our future. Educating our youth on water conservation/water quality and continued education for adults and children is imperative to sustain a balanced and thriving environment for humans & wildlife to successfully co-exist.
What excites you most about UCRA? I am eager to see UCRA’s ongoing projects develop in ways to discover new issues within water conservation, water quality and interactive educational opportunities for these topics.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? I would like to see the interactive educational component of what UCRA does reach further geographically.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Don’t ever put yourself in a position where you say, “I wish I would have.”
Any advice for your younger self? Go into water law as soon as you graduate!
What do you do in your down time? I love spending time at the lake with my family, reading, and gardening.
MEET KATHY MEWS
Seven Years on the Board
Represents Menard County
Director
Board Treasurer
Finance Committee Chairperson
Kathy is a woman of many talents! She is a graduate of Texas A & M University and has a Bachelor of Science & Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering. Immediately following graduation, she worked as a Licensing Engineer at Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Station in Minnesota. Kathy and her husband moved to Menard in 2010, where they manage rangeland with cattle, goats, and hunters. She is the organist at Grace Lutheran Church and helps with the Community Christmas Choir. She volunteers for the 4-H program assisting with range evaluation, plant identification, Junior Master Gardeners, Sewing Camp, Learn-Grow-Eat-Go and Texas Make it with Wool.
Why UCRA? I wanted to help steward the sparse water resources in my part of Texas and the impact of the drought inspired me to become involved.
What excites you most about UCRA? UCRA’s opportunities to manage and grow the water supply in West Texas.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? I would like UCRA to complete and assist with innovative projects to provide clean water and protect West Texas watersheds.
What is the best advice you have ever received? It is okay to say “NO” - just because something can be done, doesn’t mean it should be done. Spend time on what is most important, you don’t have time for everything.
Any advice for your younger self? When I got married, I was told - “Never go to bed angry”. I’ve come to realize that most issues can be resolved with a bit of empathy and there’s no benefit to brooding or holding a grudge. Things that seem too big can be given to God and are not my burden to carry.
What do you do in your down time? I enjoy teaming up with my family to carry out the interior finish work in our home. From tiling the shower, floating sheetrock and building cabinets, with face frames with Menard County mesquite, the project has been a labor of love and so much fun. The kids are learning some good life skills too!
MEET REESE BRASWELL
Seven Years on the Board
Represents Coke County
Director
Board Secretary
Finance Committee
Personnel Committee
Reese is always asking the right questions! He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Business from Angelo State University and is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU. He started banking right out of college but worked as a bartender and server while going to school and helped with family farming & ranching during his early years. Reese is currently a member of the Bronte Evening Lion’s Club and a board member for the Coke County Kickapoo WCID.
Why UCRA? I have always enjoyed nature & being outdoors, and like volunteering to help my community. The UCRA presented the perfect opportunity to check both boxes.
What excites you most about UCRA? I was appointed to the board at what felt like the end of rough chapter for UCRA. Now everyone seems to be excited and optimistic for the future, whatever it holds. That excitement for the job makes the future of the UCRA bright.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? Giant hydroelectric dams like the LCRA! I jest…..I would like to see the UCRA work more with the rural communities in its area. There are a lot of potential projects that could benefit the small communities and UCRA. There could be a bigger impact in the rural towns than larger, urban San Angelo.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Life is about the ride, not the destination. Enjoy every day and don’t wait for some magical day that you may never make it to.
Any advice for your younger self? Wait....I am my younger self! Though I can say -- apply yourself a little more and do not just roll with life. But also, be more flexible and learn to let life happen. Don’t let changes cause you grief, accept them, change with them, and move on.
What do you do in your down time? I delight in playing with my children and cooking for them. I also enjoy working in the yard, gardening, and woodworking.
MEET TANNER MAHAN
Seven Years on the Board
Represents Menard County
Director
Personnel Committee
Nominating Committee Chairperson
Don't let his quiet humility fool you! Tanner has a Bachelor of Science in Range Animal Science from Sul Ross University and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Texas Tech University. His professional background is in the Oil & Gas industry. Tanner was awarded the “Citizen of the Year” by the Menard Chamber of Commerce in 2010.
Why UCRA? I live on the San Saba River and am interested in the well-being of our waterways.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? I believe UCRA should continue to march. The well-qualified staff keeps UCRA ahead of the curve.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Never give up!
Any advice for your younger self? Never give up!
What do you do in your down time? I am fond of hunting, fishing, and worming on my property east of Menard.
MEET LESLIE LASATER
Five Years on the Board
Represents Tom Green County
Director
Nominating Committee
Leslie always cares about what you have to say! She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Finance with a financial real estate option from Angelo State University. Leslie has been the owner of Company Printing for 30 years and has been a real estate agent for 14 years with ERA Newlin. She is past president of Junior League of San Angelo and a former member of the Angelo State Alumni Association.
Why UCRA? I was interested in learning what the board does, and it was at a time in my life that I was ready to serve on a board again.
What excites you most about UCRA? I am excited about continued water quality enhancement, ongoing Clean Rivers programming and increased water sales.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? I would like to see success in acquiring grants that could increase experimental research projects.
What is the best advice you have ever received? If you don’t make mistakes, you aren’t working hard enough.
Any advice for your younger self? This too shall pass. Trust God’s timing, surround yourself with positive people, invest by 25 and don’t stop!
What do you do in your down time? I enjoy golfing, spending time with my grandkids, and traveling.
MEET MASON VAUGHAN
Seven Years on the Board
Represents Schleicher County
Director
Nominating Committee
Mason knows numbers! He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Angelo State University in 2001 and is the President & CEO at Lone Oak Bank (formerly First National Bank of Eldorado). He is the President of the Board at San Angelo County Club, President of the Board of the Lone Star Bankers Association and a board member of Texas Bankers Association. Mason is a 2010 graduate of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) Program.
Why UCRA? I believe water continues to be a precious resource in West Texas and think it’s important for us to be good stewards of the quality and usage of groundwater in the Concho Valley.
What excites you most about UCRA? I am eager to see the growth opportunity for the organization.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? I would like to see UCRA continue to be creative with ideas for growth.
What is the best advice you have ever received? If you’re not early, you’re late!
Any advice for your younger self? Life is fast. Slow down and try to soak it all in.
What do you do in your down time? I enjoy spending time with my wife & kids, traveling, golfing, and flying.
MEET FRED HERNANDEZ
Seven Years on the Board
Represents Tom Green County
Director
Fred always maintains his sense of humor! Fred received his Bachelor of Science in Management from Abilene Christian University in 1985. He has worked for AEP Texas for 40 years and is a Distribution Systems Manager. In addition to serving on the UCRA board, he is on the board of West Texas Rehabilitation Center.
Why UCRA? I believe that water issues are important to West Texas and I wanted to be a part of that.
What excites you most about UCRA? I feel that the staff and board work closely together and want to see us continue to do a good job serving the UCRA region.
Any advice for your younger self? Try not to spend all your money on your kids!
What do you do in your down time? I enjoy spending time with my family and playing golf.
MEET NATHAN CALLICOATTE
One and a Half Years on the Board
Represents Irion County
Director
Nathan is our newest board member and enjoys being physically active! He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Texas Tech and a Master of Science in Geology from the University of Texas. He is a supervisor with Vital Energy, managing environmental projects, remediation and ensuring compliance with governmental regulations and safety. He has a Professional Geologist license.
Why UCRA? I wanted to gain experience and become more involved. I've never served on a board before and was interested in learning more about the process.
What excites you most about UCRA? I hope to learn about what UCRA does and see the impact that it makes firsthand.
What would you like to see UCRA accomplish in the future? I am a more recent appointee and am still learning about UCRA. I am very interested in the Brady Creek Project and hope it can expand into other areas in need.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Don’t confuse being busy with progress. Make sure you focus on the things that actually move the needle.
Any advice for your younger self? Take a year and travel, working in different industries. Figure out what you like and start there. Invest in Tesla!
What do you do in your down time? I enjoy being active in my spare time through CrossFit, home projects, camping, hiking, and running.
Are board members (Directors) political appointees?
Yes! Members are recommended by their local state representative and are appointed by the Texas Governor. They are considered non-elected officials.
How long do board members serve?
Terms are six years, but a board member may also be appointed to fulfill a term that someone else vacated before their appointment expires, which shortens the service time.
Can a board member serve more than one consecutive term?
UCRA board members can serve more than one term. However, the Governor's office does not typically allow a board member to serve more than two terms.
How many Directors are on the board?
There are nine directors on the UCRA board.
Are there any special requirements for board members?
Board Members are required to complete a new member training at the beginning of their first term, complete an Open Meetings Training, and file a Personal Financial Statement with the Texas Ethics Commission annually.
When and how often does the board meet?
Meetings are typically reserved for the last Tuesday of the month, taking place at least once a quarter, but occurring more frequently during the summer months for budget planning. All meetings are open to the public and must adhere to the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Are there currently any vacancies on the UCRA board?
There are no vacancies at publication time.
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