High Plains Underground Water Conservation District recently added three new members to the team. Also, a field technician was promoted to supervisor following Keith Whitworth’s retirement after 44 years of service.
Billy Barron, Field Technician Supervisor
Billy Barron is the Field Data Collection Supervisor for the High Plains Water District. He is a graduate of Idalou High School. In 2000, Billy received a B.S. in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University. While working with the water district, he has enjoyed being a Field Technician for over ten years.
Before working with HPWD, Billy worked for the Texas Department of Agriculture, Crosbyton Seed Company, and was an Agriculture Science teacher.
Billy’s agricultural background has led him to appreciate what irrigation has done for our region. He has great concern and interest in the Ogallala Aquifer resources.
Robert Triggs, Field Technician
Robert Triggs is the newest Field Technician for HPWD. He graduated from Lubbock Cooper High School and completed trade school courses in Industrial Electronics and Electrical Mechanical Systems. Robert previously worked as a Technical Specialist at Lummus Corporation, a manufacturer of cotton gin equipment. He lives in the country south of Lubbock and depends on his well for water. He is excited to be a part of the HPWD team.
Stephanie Brady, Director of Communications
Previously with the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department for almost eight years, Stephanie worked closely with several community groups and businesses, including the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum. She also previously worked as the Special Events, Projects, ADA Coordinator for the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, grants, and media relations.
Stephanie has loved lakes, beaches, and anything outdoors her entire life, which is why she has a passion for working in gov ernment and with various community groups. If Stephanie wasn’t at a lake or beach growing up, she was racing enduro motorcycles or skiing.
Partially raised in Lubbock by Donald and Kem Brady, she also grew up as an “Air Force Brat” to Colonel (Retired) Ronald and Sharla Braunhardt, living in various cities worldwide. Stephanie has a B.S. degree in Parks and Recreation from Radford University in Virginia.
Taylor Rankin, Assistant Director of Communications
A recent graduate of Texas Tech University, Taylor received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Advertising. She grew up highly involved in agriculture, influencing her decision to attend Texas Tech University. Taylor recently worked for National Sorghum Producers and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, assisting in their communications outreach efforts. She is excited to expand her love for agriculture by learning about water conservation.