OZARK, AL – At a recent meeting of the National Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils (NARC&DC), the board of directors voted unanimously to select Colton Buckley as its next national executive director.
“The mission of our organization is to build relationships, cultivate partnerships, and designate resources to enhance the quality of RC&D Councils to provide leadership, education, conservation, and the development of natural and human resources to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the communities they serve, and there is no individual who is more passionate and talented to hit the ground running to revitalize communities across rural America than Colton,” said William Hodge, National Board President.
Hodge added, “Colton’s background from the fields of Central Texas to the floors of State Legislatures and the halls of Congress are just what we need as we mobilize our network of nonprofits to serve as the face of the future of American agriculture and rural communities across the country, especially in non-traditional settings. As he has been a former board member and consultant to the organization for quite some time, Colton’s dedication, and enthusiasm for supporting beginning farmers and ranchers, rural economic development, and championing American agriculture is unparalleled.”
“I am honored to be offered this opportunity to take the reins of one of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) oldest and largest non-profit allies as we prioritize programs and opportunities that involve engagement of young, underserved, military veterans, and beginning farmers and ranchers, in addition to urban agriculture initiatives, rural economic development, and human resource development,” said Buckley.
“I fully believe that the Lord prepares us sufficiently to take the next step and lead with a greater impact. The opportunity to lead NARC&DC provides a platform at the national level to do some great things and focus on supporting rural communities and strengthen their next generation of leaders from coast to coast with an array of governmental, corporate, and community partners. While I am sad to leave Texas, I am excited for my next chapter in the Deep South and look forward to joining the NARC&DC staff in a full-time capacity to carry on our work with the most dedicated non-profit staff in the nation. As a lifelong inhabitant and champion of rural communities, I’m fully prepared to get in the saddle and drive NARC&DC forward.” Buckley affirmed.
Buckley has worked in the government relations, public affairs, and nonprofit sectors for nearly a decade. He is the former campaign manager and adviser to Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller and is a former member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, appointed by Governor Rick Perry, as well as a member of the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, appointed by the Texas Workforce Commissioners. Previously, he held positions as the 2nd Vice President of the National Association and the Executive Director of the Texas Association, in addition to several capacities with local councils and state associations in both Texas and Oklahoma.
Buckley holds a master’s degree in communication from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in public policy online, and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural services and development from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Buckley grew up on his maternal grandparents’ Brangus cow-calf operation outside of Gatesville, Texas and as a beginning rancher is establishing C-Buck Cattle Company, a niche mini-cow operation in addition to his new role, in the Great State of Alabama.
The RC&D Program was established in the Agriculture Act of 1962, with responsibility for the administration of the program placed within the Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Successive Farm Bills have provided for the further development of the program, including deepening the partnership between RC&D Councils and the NRCS, as well as other agencies, through partnership agreements and grant funding as RC&D Councils are 501(c)3 non-for-profit corporations. There are over 200 RC&D Councils across the United States and its territories.
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