WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – Texas A&M recently hosted a gathering of statewide agency employees to recognize their accomplishments as well as the agency’s.
“Today’s meeting theme “Leading Healthy Lives” extends beyond individual wellness,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis. “It provides a powerful, holistic framework for strengthening teams and developing resilient leadership within our agency.”
The year’s highlights were plentiful; in addition to the historic $236 million awarded to Texas volunteer fire departments, the agency received legislative funding to acquire and operate wildfire suppression aircraft.
“The agency also mobilized personnel to support search, rescue and recovery operations through saw crews, equipment operators, drone operations, overhead, tree risk assessments and stress management for first responders during the Kerrville flooding,” said Davis. “Your speed, professionalism and courage under immense pressure were vital in protecting lives and property.”
The Critical Incident Stress Management team was recognized for their steadfastness in emergency situations and being the last ones to leave the grounds after consulting with all responders.
60 employees were recognized by leadership for five or more years of service, including Chris Brown, Program Leader in College Station with 30 years of service; John Gill, Resource Specialist III in Jasper with 30 years of service; Courtney Blevins, Staff Forester V in Fort Worth with 40 years of service; Sarah Brooks, Business Associate III in La Grange with 40 years of service; and Daniel Duncum, Staff Forester V in Longview with 45 years of service.
The agency also handed out Director’s Awards for above-and-beyond employee service. The following employees were recognized by the Texas A&M Forest Service:
Drew Liddell, Fire Coordinator I in Fredericksburg, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Field.
Sherri Coffman, Business Associate III in San Angelo, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Office.
Twanisha Bennett, Project Coordinator III in Lufkin, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Professional.
Carlos Garcia-Patlan, Woodland Ecologist I in Edinburg, received the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Information and Education Award.
Camille Wiseman, Woodland Ecologist III in Austin, received the Bruce Miles Natural Resource Professional Award.
Bryan Young, Resource Specialist IV in Lufkin, received the Charles Krenek Award for Resource Specialist.
Jason Ellis, District Forester IV in Jacksonville, received the Byron “Jeff” Durant Prescribed Fire Excellence Award.
The Director’s Award for Team Effort – Best Interdivisional Project was awarded to the working group for the agency’s website re-design project, which launched in May of 2025, and features an updated design and functionality to assist viewers in finding information and resources more efficiently.
The team consisted of Justin Dudo, Systems Administrator III in College Station; Simon Frazier, Communications Specialist II in College Station; Leighton Gibson, Marketing and Communications Manager in College Station; Jordan Herrin, Regional Operations Chief in Lufkin; Michael Petersen, Systems Administrator I in College Station; and Javier Vara Sanz, Geospatial Analyst IV in College Station.
The Texas A&M Forest Service emphasized that it was proud to recognize its accomplishments and the achievements of its personnel, and looked forward to the coming year of service. Congratulations to all awardees!
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