About AACD

President, Triangle NRCD

Dawn was born and raised on a ranch in Arizona and has been ranching in Skull Valley with her husband on his family ranch for 30+ years. Dawn has been working with Districts since 2015 when she joined the Triangle NRCD Board and worked for the Western Yavapai Conservation Education Center.

1st Vice President, Whitewater Draw NRCD

Frank is a rancher in the Douglas area. His family has been in the business of ranching for over 100 years. He became involved with the Districts in 2010 and is a Board Supervisor for the Whitewater Draw NRCD. He has held the position of AACD President and Past President.

2nd Vice President, Whitewater Draw NRCD

Raised in Arizona agriculture, Amber has spent more than 14 years working at the intersection of ranching, conservation, and natural resource management. She grew up ranching in southeastern Arizona and continues to ranch with her family, bringing a producer’s perspective to her work with conservation districts, agricultural organizations, and agency partners. Throughout her career, Amber has helped secure more than $60 million in conservation funding and is passionate about practical, locally led conservation that supports Arizona’s working lands and rural communities.

Past President, Buckeye Valley NRCD

Tim is a fourth-generation farmer in the Buckeye Valley. He and his son have a small cow-calf operation. For over 40 years, Tim worked as a Soil Conservation Technician at the NRCS. Since retirement in 2018, Tim has served on the Buckeye Valley NRCD Board and is currently the Vice-Chairman.

Treasurer, Apache NRCD

Daric is a fourth-generation rancher in Springerville. He and his wife raise Hereford cattle and own a hunting operation. Daric has been involved with the Districts since high school and is currently the Apache NRCD Board Chair.

Secretary, Little Colorado River SWCD

Sadie is a 7th-generation rancher and raises cattle and sheep. She became a Little Colorado River Soil and Water Conservation District/Navajo Nation member in 2010. Sadie is an elected representative for the Community of Indian Wells.

Government Affairs Committee Chair, Winkelman NRCD

Steve is a rancher and vice chair of the Winkelman NRCD. A retired Navy pilot, Steve purchased his ranch in Aravaipa Canyon after 30 years of service. Steve has worked hard to retain a sustainable, healthy, and diverse landscape while maintaining a stable livestock and wildlife population.

Rangeland & Forestry Committee Chair, Tonto NRCD

Kacie Tomerlin is the sixth generation actively ranching in Arizona. She and her husband own and operate a ranch in Pleasant Valley, in the heart of the Tonto National Forest. Kacie has been involved with the districts since 2005 working with a conservation education center and now serving as a board supervisor for the Tonto NRCD.

Cropland & Water Resources Committee Chair, Verde NRCD

Becki Ross serves as Chair of the Verde NRCD and as a member of the FSA State Committee, following eight years on the FSA Maricopa County Committee. She is also Executive Secretary of the Yavapai Cattle Growers Association and was appointed to the Arizona State OHV Study Committee. Her work addressing OHV issues earned her the 2024 Keep Sedona Beautiful Environmental Steward of the Year award and the 2024 Arizona Cattle Growers Top Hand Award. She works with family on a farming and dairy operation in Maricopa County, and a cow/calf operation in Yavapai and Coconino counties, where the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations of family work together. Farming and ranching take perseverance and hope — traits Becki draws from her Christian faith.