After nearly four decades of dedicated service to natural resource conservation in Texas, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) proudly recognizes the retirement of Executive Director Rex Isom, whose leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment have left a lasting impact on conservation efforts across the state.
A native of Idalou, Texas, Rex Isom graduated from Idalou High School in 1974. Later he graduated from Texas Tech University in 1979, and joined TSSWCB in 1987 as the South Plains Field Representative, serving local soil and water conservation districts and agricultural producers throughout the region. In 2003, he accepted the role of Interim Executive Director, and in 2004, he was officially selected to lead the agency as Executive Director.
Since the establishment of the TSSWCB in 1939, only seven individuals have held the title of Executive Director. Isom now retires as the agency’s longest continuously serving Executive Director in its history. Preceding him in this role were: James Moore (2002-2003), Robert “Bob” Buckley (1989-2002), Harvey Davis (1961-1977 and 1983-1989) A.C. Spencer (1955-1961 and 1978-1982) and finally, the Father of the conservation district program in Texas, V.C. Marshall (1940-1955).
Throughout his tenure, Isom oversaw the agency’s efforts to conserve and protect Texas’ natural resources while coordinating programs and activities among the state’s 216 soil and water conservation districts. Under his leadership, the agency administered more than $920 million in state and federal conservation funding supporting programs focused on soil health, water quality, flood control, watershed protection, and land stewardship.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Isom has remained deeply committed to his community, faith, and agricultural education. Rex serves as the Chairman of the Administrative Board at Idalou Methodist Church and a member of the Idalou Economic Development Board. He has served as Secretary and an executive committee member on the Texas FFA Foundation Board of Directors since 2010 and has been on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council since 2015. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the South Plains Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Member of the Texas Tech Chapter of the National Football Foundation.
Rex also served as the Chairman for the National Watershed Coalition, past member and President of Idalou School Board, Past Member and President of TTU National Alumni Association. Rex was recognized as a Texas Tech Davis College of Agriculture Sciences & Natural Resources – Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Agriculturalist Award Winner in 2024. He also received the Champion Award in July 2022 by the Agriculture Teacher’s Association of Texas, an honorary FFA Lonestar Degree given by Texas FFA Association in July 2011, and was recognized as Man of the Year by Idalou Chamber of Commerce in 2010.
Rex and his wife of 46 years, Nancy, have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
“Rex Isom’s leadership and unwavering dedication to conservation have shaped the future of natural resource stewardship in Texas,” said Scott Buckles, TSSWCB Chairman. “His impact on this agency, our conservation partners, and the countless landowners and communities served through these programs will be felt for generations to come.”
The TSSWCB extends its sincere gratitude to Rex Isom for his years of service, leadership, and commitment to conserving Texas’ soil and water resources.
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