Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Bexar Branches has an all volunteer board that works together to improve the Greater San Antonio Region’s urban tree canopy through execution of tree planting and maintenance priorities, tree education, and research.
Organizational Staff
Jaci Randel
Executive Director
Jaci has over 20 years of experience in business management and operations. She leads the development and execution of Bexar Branches Alliance’s strategy and oversees engagement with community groups and government agencies. Jaci is a graduate of the Texas Forest Service Leadership Cohort and brings a regional perspective to advancing urban forestry initiatives. 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.
Desiree Mendoza
Tree Crew Lead
Desiree was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. As a dedicated advocate for community engagement and outdoor activities, she is passionate about conservation, sustainable agriculture, horticulture, and arboriculture. In her free time, Desiree enjoys volunteering with her daughter, collecting rocks, and spending time with friends and family. Her journey with Bexar Branches Alliance (BBA) began as a crew member with the Texas Conservation Corps during the launch of Project CANOPY. She now takes great pride in her role as BBA’s tree care specialist, where she continues to contribute to the organization’s mission of nurturing and preserving trees.
Board of Directors
Clay Thompson
BOARD PRESIDENT
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..
Dixie Watkins III
VICE PRESIDENT
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.
Mark Fischer
SECRETARY
Mark is a retired IT Executive. He is passionate about helping others optimize their personal and professional lives. Mark enjoys studying and applying leadership theory, ancient philosophy, and the modern sciences of self-improvement and mindfulness. Mark received his B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Central Oklahoma, an M.B.A. from Oklahoma City University, and a Doctorate in Leadership Studies from Our Lady of the Lake University. Mark is passionate about community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the health and economic benefits of a thriving urban forest. Mark joined the BBA Board in of Directors in 2025 and now serves as Secretary.
Marisa Grimaldo
TREASURER
Marisa is passionate about environmental justice, equity, and community building, connecting her Indigenous heritage with efforts that strengthen relationships of nepantla; between people and the natural world.
Nadia Gaona
BOARD MEMBER
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
David Vaughan
BOARD MEMBER
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
Maggie Roberts
Board Member
Maggie joined the Board of Directors in November of 2023.
Judith Verbits-Temple
Board Member
Judith joined the Board of Directors in January 2024.
Amy Burkett
Board Member
Amy is a proud mother to three school-aged children and helps raise her husband, Tyler. She is the majority owner of Burkett Arbor Care, LLC; a woman-owned, full-service tree care company based out of Boerne, Texas that is well-versed in residential, commercial, municipal, and federal channels.
Prior to her involvement in the green industry, Amy obtained a B.B.A in Finance and Marketing from Texas Tech University. She worked in Corporate America where she held various positions at USAA in the Financial Services, Marketing, and Compliance departments.
She currently serves as At-Large Director on the Tree Care Industry Association Board of Directors, Treasurer of the San Antonio Arborist Association, and is a part of several industry-specific committees and task force initiatives. She is highly motivated, results-oriented, and passionate about the industry and all the wonderful people working in it.
