Meet The Team

Michael has more than 15 years of experience in community forestry management and program development. He was San Antonio’s first City Forester and later served as City Forester and Bureau Manager of Parks and Urban Forestry with the City of Norfolk. 

He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science and a Master's Degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin University.

Dixie Watkins III is an accomplished professional with a rich background in landscape architecture, natural and cultural resource management, and land planning. With over three decades of experience, he has made significant contributions to the field through his firm, Dixie Watkins III & Associates, which specializes in providing comprehensive master planning and design services for a diverse range of projects. His expertise extends to mixed-use developments, parks, recreational facilities, and historic landscapes, among others. Throughout his career, Dixie has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship, integrating sustainable practices into his work and collaborating with governmental entities and community organizations to ensure the conservation and enhancement of natural and cultural resources.

In addition to his extensive professional practice, Dixie has been actively involved in various professional organizations and community initiatives, reflecting his dedication to advancing the field and serving the public interest. His memberships in organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, and Nature Conservancy highlight his engagement with broader issues related to architecture, planning, and environmental conservation. Dixie's notable achievements, including numerous awards and appointments, underscore his leadership and influence in shaping sustainable development practices and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of his community and beyond.

The president of Burkett Arbor Care, Amy, has several years of experience in the tree care industry. 

Amy is a personable, dynamic, goal-oriented self-starter with exceptional interpersonal skills and a record for consistently exceeding sales targets and company goals. A quick learner and adapter who has the ability to work in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

David M Vaughan, hailed as the 2022 Texas Arborist of the Year, has been a stalwart figure in the arboriculture field in San Antonio since 1978. As the founder of ArborVaughan Consult, LLC, he has dedicated his career to providing expert consulting services in tree management and preservation. David's passion for forestry was ignited during his academic pursuits, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1971, followed by a Master of Agriculture in Natural Resources Development from Texas A&M University in 1977.

A trailblazer in his field, David was among the inaugural cohort of arborists certified in Texas in 1992. His commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his certifications in Texas Oak Wilt and Wildfire Risk Reduction, as well as his Organic Certification from the Texas Organic Research Center. Beyond his professional achievements, David is deeply engaged in community and industry leadership, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Alamo Forest Partnership, San Antonio Arborist Association, and Bexar Branches Alliance. His dedication to sustainable practices extends to his advocacy for healthy soil ecosystems, recognizing the vital role they play in supporting plant life and fostering environmental resilience. David's legacy as a respected arborist and environmental steward continues to leave a lasting impact on the San Antonio community and beyond.

Gloria has 30+ years of experience in the Hospital Surgical Industry, 3 years serving as Executive Director for a Non-profit called Archangels Of Merci Inc., and currently serving as a board member with Methodist Healthcare ministries. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology and an Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing. Gloria has been a resident of San Antonio, Texas for 4 years.

Raised in South Bexar County, Nadia has always felt a close relationship with the land and environment around her. For the past 15 years, she has worked to bridge her love of nature with a passion for building community, serving as an organizer promoting home food production to increase community food security. 

Nadia is the founder of SATX Permaculture, a group where people can connect with others interested in learning about and applying regenerative practices for the improved health of our soil, ourselves, and our planet. She is also a co-founder of the Tamox-Talom Food Forest, a 3-acre food forest project on the city’s south side.

Maggie Roberts joined the Bexar Branches Alliance Board of Directors in November of 2023. 

Jesse Reyes Jr joined the Board of Directors in May of 2023.

Clay Thompson is the Director of Stewardship and Conservation at Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas since 2021. His expertise includes natural resource management, military aviation, legislative affairs, and intelligence operations. As the Director, he is responsible for managing the Land Program including conservation easement acquisitions, developing new conservation projects, and helping landowners in the Green Spaces Alliance network steward their land. Clay has been a resident of San Antonio since 2011 when he moved here to work for the Texas AgriLife Extension. He received his degree in Forestry from Texas A&M in 2011 and worked in the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension from 2011- 2018, buffering military lands with working lands, e.g., ranches, farms, and forests. From 2018-2021 Clay worked in various capacities as a civilian within the Texas Military Department and US Air Force. In 2023 he retired from the Texas Air National Guard as a Major and finished his Masters of Public Administration (MPA) at the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University. He has two daughters from a previous marriage, Basil (20) and Lillia (17), and is married to Amanda Saenz. Amanda is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Seguin and a lifelong resident of San Antonio. Both Amanda and Clay enjoy the outdoors, the effect of nature on health, and their menagerie of animals. Clay’s primary focus in work and volunteer actions is to link urban and rural landscapes to protect natural resources required by urban populations and sustaining working lands through the protection of water resources, military missions, and wildlife habitats. He is the President of the Sunset Ridge Church of Christ Foundation and on the Board of Directors for Bexar Branches Alliance since January, 2024.

Angelina Flores joined the Bexar Branches Alliance Board of Directors in January 2024. 

Defranco Sarabia joined the Bexar Branches Alliance Board of Directors in January 2024. 

Robert "Bobby" Hearne joined the Board of Directors in May of 2023.

​Bruce Kates is a 46-year veteran of Television Journalism, Communications and Public Relations. In addition to reporting and anchoring newscasts, he was a News Director at three television stations and one Texas-based Satellite Broadcast News operation. His Communications experience includes Santikos Theaters, Miller Beer of San Antonio, and Mazatlan, Mexico Tourism. He’s married with three kids and two grandkids. He’s raised money for the San Antonio Parks Foundation, the Texas DPS Foundation, The MZ Foundation and KLRN-TV (PBS). He has also worked as a political consultant for candidates in both parties at the local and state level.

Mark is a Certified Arborist practicing arboriculture and urban forestry for 15 years. Mark is the San Antonio Regional Forester with the Texas A&M Forest Service. He gained field experience in Minneapolis, Auckland (New Zealand), and McAllen.

He serves on the boards of the San Antonio Arborist Association, Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, and the Alamo Forest Partnership. He attended the University of Minnesota and Mississippi State University.

Suzanne has 25 years of experience in STEM education and 10+ years of experience in environmental engineering conducting HAZMAT remediation of soil and groundwater in central California. 

She holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a MEd in Special Education from Texas State University in San Marcos, and a PhD in Education from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

Jaci has over 20 years of experience in business management and operations. She currently leads the development and execution of Bexar Branches Alliance’s strategy and oversees engagement with community groups and government agencies. She previously served on the board of an environmental nonprofit based in Norfolk, VA, and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Tamox Talom Food Forest.