TFPA Conference 2025 - Speaker Bios
Keynote Speaker
BACKGROUND
I am an entrepreneur, real estate broker associate, attorney, speaker, wife, mother, step-mother, friend, and avid traveler…. So like YOU, I have a lot going on, and a lot I want to share of what I have learned in over 50 years on this planet.
While real estate is the primary focus of my career, I believe all of us are about SO much more than JUST our career. In fact, I think the culmination of who we are as human beings is what makes us truly GREAT in our careers.
So, yes, we will talk about real estate and about ways we can partner together through eXp Realty… but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of the life lessons I want to share with you.
I hope you’ll connect and join me on this journey called life. As my husband loves to say, “We’re all in this together.” Whatever I can do to add value to your life… I’m here for it!
I am an entrepreneur, real estate broker associate, attorney, speaker, wife, mother, step-mother, friend, and avid traveler…. So like YOU, I have a lot going on, and a lot I want to share of what I have learned in over 50 years on this planet.
While real estate is the primary focus of my career, I believe all of us are about SO much more than JUST our career. In fact, I think the culmination of who we are as human beings is what makes us truly GREAT in our careers.
So, yes, we will talk about real estate and about ways we can partner together through eXp Realty… but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of the life lessons I want to share with you.
I hope you’ll connect and join me on this journey called life. As my husband loves to say, “We’re all in this together.” Whatever I can do to add value to your life… I’m here for it!
Other Speakers
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Program Supervising: Better Resources for Our Membership Davonna Koebrick Food Safety Officer/Program Supervisor MFRPS Program/Texas Rapid Response Team/Texas Food Protection Task Force [email protected] |
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BACKGROUND
Davonna Koebrick, RS, LMSW, is the current Food Safety Officer for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Consumer Protection Division. She is a Program Manager in the Manufactured Food Program, overseeing the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards, the Texas Rapid Response Team (focused on food safety), and the Texas Food Protection Task Force. Ms. Koebrick is the current President of the Mid-Continental Association of Food and Drug Officials (MCAFDO). Davonna
grew up in Victoria, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas-Pan American in 1997. She received her Master of Social Work degree in 1998 from the University of Houston. She has worked in public health for 25 years, beginning as a local health inspector, where she conducted inspections of retail food establishments, on-site sewage facilities, and other environmental health regulatory activities. In 2004, she began working for DSHS as a manufactured food sanitarian, a
position she held for 9½ years in the field. She completed a one-year Fellowship in Food Protection with the International Food Protection Training Institute in 2012. She joined the DSHS Manufactured Foods
Policy, Standards, and Quality Assurance group in 2013 as the manufactured food program training and standardization officer, as well as the compliance officer. Davonna accepted the position of Food Safety Officer in November 2018.
Davonna Koebrick, RS, LMSW, is the current Food Safety Officer for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Consumer Protection Division. She is a Program Manager in the Manufactured Food Program, overseeing the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards, the Texas Rapid Response Team (focused on food safety), and the Texas Food Protection Task Force. Ms. Koebrick is the current President of the Mid-Continental Association of Food and Drug Officials (MCAFDO). Davonna
grew up in Victoria, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas-Pan American in 1997. She received her Master of Social Work degree in 1998 from the University of Houston. She has worked in public health for 25 years, beginning as a local health inspector, where she conducted inspections of retail food establishments, on-site sewage facilities, and other environmental health regulatory activities. In 2004, she began working for DSHS as a manufactured food sanitarian, a
position she held for 9½ years in the field. She completed a one-year Fellowship in Food Protection with the International Food Protection Training Institute in 2012. She joined the DSHS Manufactured Foods
Policy, Standards, and Quality Assurance group in 2013 as the manufactured food program training and standardization officer, as well as the compliance officer. Davonna accepted the position of Food Safety Officer in November 2018.
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Texas Wine Industry Update: Dr. Justin Scheiner Assoc. Prof. of Viticulture and Enology TAMU [email protected] |
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BACKGROUND
Justin Scheiner is an Associate Professor and Extension Viticulture Specialist at Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. His Extension responsibilities include educational programming and technical support for the Texas grape and wine industry. His research program focuses on best management practices for vineyards in Texas including practices to improve fruit and wine quality, rootstocks and new grape cultivars, cover crops and soil health, and irrigation management. He is a member of the graduate faculty at Texas A&M and he teaches HORT 416 - Understanding Wine in the Department of Horticultural Sciences.
Justin Scheiner is an Associate Professor and Extension Viticulture Specialist at Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. His Extension responsibilities include educational programming and technical support for the Texas grape and wine industry. His research program focuses on best management practices for vineyards in Texas including practices to improve fruit and wine quality, rootstocks and new grape cultivars, cover crops and soil health, and irrigation management. He is a member of the graduate faculty at Texas A&M and he teaches HORT 416 - Understanding Wine in the Department of Horticultural Sciences.
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BACKGROUND
Patrick Firth brings extensive expertise across diverse issue areas, including agriculture, energy, food, tax, and trade. He has a proven track record of advocating for client priorities in general appropriations and procurement, playing a pivotal role in securing critical tax incentives, tariff exclusions, beneficial appropriations, and authorization language. Patrick was recently named as one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists of 2024.
Patrick is a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting to clients and at conferences on policy updates, political and election analysis, and industry trends through the lens of federal public policy. His strong relationships with key staff and policymakers on Capitol Hill and across federal agencies have been instrumental in opening doors for clients, resolving critical challenges, and advancing business priorities.
Patrick Firth, a key figure in Maryland politics, conducts political training seminars focused on strategy, communications, and social media best practices for candidates, volunteers, organizers, and activists. His prior experience includes serving under then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), working with the Senate Steering and Outreach Committee.
Patrick holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Government and History from the College of William and Mary.
When he is not sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife, Samantha, you can find Patrick spending time in the hunting blind alongside his loyal black Labrador Retriever, Matoaka.
Patrick Firth brings extensive expertise across diverse issue areas, including agriculture, energy, food, tax, and trade. He has a proven track record of advocating for client priorities in general appropriations and procurement, playing a pivotal role in securing critical tax incentives, tariff exclusions, beneficial appropriations, and authorization language. Patrick was recently named as one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists of 2024.
Patrick is a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting to clients and at conferences on policy updates, political and election analysis, and industry trends through the lens of federal public policy. His strong relationships with key staff and policymakers on Capitol Hill and across federal agencies have been instrumental in opening doors for clients, resolving critical challenges, and advancing business priorities.
Patrick Firth, a key figure in Maryland politics, conducts political training seminars focused on strategy, communications, and social media best practices for candidates, volunteers, organizers, and activists. His prior experience includes serving under then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), working with the Senate Steering and Outreach Committee.
Patrick holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Government and History from the College of William and Mary.
When he is not sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife, Samantha, you can find Patrick spending time in the hunting blind alongside his loyal black Labrador Retriever, Matoaka.
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Factors Driving the Economics of the Ag Industry Scot Vidrine SVP, Director of CommAg Lending Capital Farm Credit [email protected] |
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BACKGROUND
Scot has been with Capital Farm Credit since 2011 and has been the director of the Commercial Ag Lending division since 2018. He manages a group of seven lenders who work across the state of Texas and originate more than $4 billion in direct loan volume. Industries of concentration include cattle feeding, dairy production, dairy processing, large ranch acquisition and management, greenhouses and nurseries, integrated poultry companies, grain marketing, farm supply, timber management, sawmills, egg production, and fruit and vegetable storage and marketing. Beginning in 2024, Scot manages the Legislative Affairs for Capital Farm Credit. He is tasked with fund-raising and developing relationships with legislators at the state and national level. Scot grew up in south Louisiana in a rural farming community. After graduating from Louisiana State University, he began his banking career in his hometown of Ville Platte. Since then, a stop in Tennessee as a commercial lender and branch manager was followed by more than four years with CoBank’s Agri-Business Group in Louisville, Kentucky. He has earned additional diplomas from the Graduate School for Banking at LSU, the Graduate Institute for Cooperative Leadership at the University of Missouri, and the Southeast Ag-Lending School at Clemson University.
Scot has been with Capital Farm Credit since 2011 and has been the director of the Commercial Ag Lending division since 2018. He manages a group of seven lenders who work across the state of Texas and originate more than $4 billion in direct loan volume. Industries of concentration include cattle feeding, dairy production, dairy processing, large ranch acquisition and management, greenhouses and nurseries, integrated poultry companies, grain marketing, farm supply, timber management, sawmills, egg production, and fruit and vegetable storage and marketing. Beginning in 2024, Scot manages the Legislative Affairs for Capital Farm Credit. He is tasked with fund-raising and developing relationships with legislators at the state and national level. Scot grew up in south Louisiana in a rural farming community. After graduating from Louisiana State University, he began his banking career in his hometown of Ville Platte. Since then, a stop in Tennessee as a commercial lender and branch manager was followed by more than four years with CoBank’s Agri-Business Group in Louisville, Kentucky. He has earned additional diplomas from the Graduate School for Banking at LSU, the Graduate Institute for Cooperative Leadership at the University of Missouri, and the Southeast Ag-Lending School at Clemson University.
BACKGROUND
Rodney Nye, a proud native of Arkansas, currently resides in Northwest Arkansas. As Senior Vice President at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., he spearheads the commercial strategy and execution for the company’s Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) division. Rodney attended the University of Arkansas, where he played college baseball for the Razorbacks. His performance there led to his selection by the New York Mets in the 7th round of the 1999 MLB Draft. Over his 8-year professional baseball career, he played for the Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay
Rays, reaching as high as AAA.
After hanging up his cleats, Rodney transitioned to the business world, joining J.B. Hunt in 2007 through the Manager-in-Training program and quickly moving into a Business Development role by 2008. In 2009, he helped launch J.B. Hunt’s Agriculture Services division, which had just opened its first two locations serving commercial feed mills. From 2009 to 2021, he held roles as GM, Director, and VP, building out the strategy and teams for Ag Services and supporting many of the most recognized names in the food and feed supply chains. During this time, Ag Services grew from $5 million to $280 million. In 2016, he led the Southeast Region of DCS Business Development to win 'Region of the Year.' In 2022, he stepped into his current role as SVP of Dedicated Contract Services. Under Rodney's leadership, the Business Development team drives growth by identifying opportunities, managing accounts, and delivering tailored logistics solutions that create value for customers. These efforts help J.B. Hunt maintain its position as the top dedicated provider and a leader in the transportation sector.
Rodney met his wife, Amber, while they were both at the University of Arkansas. They have been married for 22 years and have three sons: Carter, Draper, and Hunter. When he’s not working, Rodney enjoys hunting, fishing, and coaching his sons’ baseball teams.
Rodney Nye, a proud native of Arkansas, currently resides in Northwest Arkansas. As Senior Vice President at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., he spearheads the commercial strategy and execution for the company’s Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) division. Rodney attended the University of Arkansas, where he played college baseball for the Razorbacks. His performance there led to his selection by the New York Mets in the 7th round of the 1999 MLB Draft. Over his 8-year professional baseball career, he played for the Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay
Rays, reaching as high as AAA.
After hanging up his cleats, Rodney transitioned to the business world, joining J.B. Hunt in 2007 through the Manager-in-Training program and quickly moving into a Business Development role by 2008. In 2009, he helped launch J.B. Hunt’s Agriculture Services division, which had just opened its first two locations serving commercial feed mills. From 2009 to 2021, he held roles as GM, Director, and VP, building out the strategy and teams for Ag Services and supporting many of the most recognized names in the food and feed supply chains. During this time, Ag Services grew from $5 million to $280 million. In 2016, he led the Southeast Region of DCS Business Development to win 'Region of the Year.' In 2022, he stepped into his current role as SVP of Dedicated Contract Services. Under Rodney's leadership, the Business Development team drives growth by identifying opportunities, managing accounts, and delivering tailored logistics solutions that create value for customers. These efforts help J.B. Hunt maintain its position as the top dedicated provider and a leader in the transportation sector.
Rodney met his wife, Amber, while they were both at the University of Arkansas. They have been married for 22 years and have three sons: Carter, Draper, and Hunter. When he’s not working, Rodney enjoys hunting, fishing, and coaching his sons’ baseball teams.
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Extension Food Science Update: "Mastering the Art of the Restart" Dr. Shannon Schmidt-Combest Ph.D. | Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist Food Science and Technology | AgriLife Extension Service Cater-Mattil, Room 120 | College Station, TX 77843 979.314.3845 | [email protected] |
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BACKGROUND
Dr. Schmidt-Combest holds a master's degree in food science and technology from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Nutrition from Texas Woman's University. Her research has focused on food safety, product development, and chronic disease prevention. She has extensive experience in both academia and industry, including her role as a Food Technologist at Pecan Deluxe Candy Company in Dallas, Texas, where she developed innovative food and beverage inclusions. She will also be assuming the role of Executive Director of the Texas Food Processors Assn., succeeding Dr. Al Wagner.
Dr. Schmidt-Combest holds a master's degree in food science and technology from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Nutrition from Texas Woman's University. Her research has focused on food safety, product development, and chronic disease prevention. She has extensive experience in both academia and industry, including her role as a Food Technologist at Pecan Deluxe Candy Company in Dallas, Texas, where she developed innovative food and beverage inclusions. She will also be assuming the role of Executive Director of the Texas Food Processors Assn., succeeding Dr. Al Wagner.
