Austin, Texas – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed three West Texas leaders to continue serving on the Upper Colorado River Authority Board of Directors, keeping experienced voices in place for the agency’s long-term work tied to water and regional stewardship.
Nancy Blackwell, P.E., Fred Hernandez, Jr., and Mason Vaughan were each selected for new terms that are scheduled to expire on February 1, 2031. Their reappointments bring together backgrounds in engineering, utility operations, banking, civic service and community leadership.
Blackwell, of Ballinger, brings deep technical experience to the board. She serves as vice president and technical director of Baxter & Woodman and has built a career centered on civil engineering and public infrastructure. Her professional record includes past service as president of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, along with her current role as chair of the Texas Engineering Foundation.
She is also connected to several major professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineering, the Association of Water Board Directors, the American Water Works Association and the American Council of Engineering Companies. Beyond her engineering work, Blackwell serves on the board of the National MATHCOUNTS Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Hernandez, of San Angelo, adds experience from the energy and community-service sectors. He works as manager for distribution systems at AEP Texas. Over the years, he has also held several local leadership roles, including vice chair of the San Angelo Area Foundation, executive board member of West Texas Rehabilitation Center and chair of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.
His background reflects a mix of operational knowledge and civic involvement in the region served by the authority. Hernandez received a Bachelor of Science in management from Abilene Christian University.
Vaughan, of Eldorado, continues on the board with a background in finance and local leadership. He is president and CEO of Lone Oak Bank, formerly First National Bank of Eldorado. He is a member of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas and the Texas Bankers Association.
His community work has included service as past president and member of the Eldorado Lions Club, past board member of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas and lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Vaughan received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Angelo State University.
With the reappointments, Abbott keeps all three members in place for another term, extending continuity on the Upper Colorado River Authority Board as it continues its work for the region.
