W. David Prescott II, P. G., Chair
W. David Prescott, P.G., is the Founder and President of Talon/LPE, an Environmental Consulting and Engineering firm based in Amarillo. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Biology, an M.B.A. in General Business, and an M.S. in Environmental Science from WT. David is currently pursuing his PhD in Ag Science at WT. He’s a Licensed Professional Geologist in both Texas and Wyoming. Over the years, he has held significant roles on various boards, including the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, Amarillo Symphony, and the Golden Spread Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, he has contributed to the WT Enterprise Center Advisory Board, WT College of Business Advisory Board, and the Don Harrington Discovery Center. His term is set to expire on February 2, 2025.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: dprescott@tbpg.texas.gov
Steven Fleming, P.G., Vice Chair
Resides in Shavano Park and is a licensed professional geoscientist and works for the C.P.S. Energy in San Antonio. He volunteers on the Water Advisory Board for the City of Shavano Park and with the Boy Scouts of America. Fleming received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sul Ross State University and a Master of Science in Limnology from Baylor University. His term is set to expire on February 1, 2027.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: sfleming@tbpg.texas.gov
Mark N. Varhaug, P.G., C.P.G., Secretary
Resides in Dallas and has more than forty-five years experience in the practice in geoscience in the US and internationally. He is currently President of Beacon Hill Energy, an independent exploration firm in Dallas. He is a licensed Professional Geoscientist in Texas (#12433) and Louisiana (#952) and a member of the Division of Professional Affairs of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (CPG #6250). He is a member of the Geological Societies of Dallas, Houston, and West Texas, the Geological Society of America, and is a Life Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Varhaug received a Bachelor of Science in geology from Southern Methodist University. His term is set to expire on February 1, 2029.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: mvarhaug@tbpg.texas.gov
Bereket Derie, Ph.D, P.G.
Resides in Georgetown and is a licensed professional geoscientist and the founder and principal geophysicist of Round Rock Geophysics, LLC. Prior to that, he served as Geophysics Unit Head with the Water Resources Department of the Government of Eritrea, Geophysicist with AOA Geophysics and the Geophysics Department Manager at Renewable Resource Consultants. Dr. Derie is a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, and the Austin Geological Society. Dr. Derie received a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Master of Science in Geophysics from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, a Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics from Loughborough University, UK, and a post graduate diploma in groundwater from Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. Dr. Derie’s term is set to expire on February 1, 2027.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: bderie@tbpg.texas.gov
Margon Dillard
Resides in Richmond and is a territory manager for Kedrion Biopharma. She is an advisory board member of the Texas Society of Health System Pharmacists, Wells Pharma, and American Health Packaging. She is a member of the National Pharmacy Purchasing Association and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Dillard attended Texas Southern University studying Biology and obtained a certification in Pharmacy Technology from the HCC Coleman College of Science. Her term is set to expire on Feb. 1, 2025.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: mdillard@tbpg.texas.gov
Edward F. Janak, Jr., P.G.
Resides in Fredericksburg and is a Soil Scientist doing business as Edward F. Janak, Jr., CPSS. He is a past president and current member of Professional Soil Scientists Association of Texas, and previously served on the national executive council of the American Society for Mining and Reclamation. Currently, he is a member of the state soil scientist associations in Mississippi, Florida, and California. He volunteers with 4H and Future Farmers of America. Janak received a Bachelor of Science in agronomy from Texas A&M University. His term is set to expire on February 1, 2025.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: ejanak@tbpg.texas.gov
Danielle “Danny” Kingham, P.G.
Resides in Houston and is a Senior Hydrogeologist and Health and Safety Administrator for GSI Environmental Inc. with over 18 years of experience in environmental consulting, with expertise in carbon capture and sequestration, site investigation, and environmental litigation. She is a licensed Professional Geoscientist in Texas, Louisiana, and New York. She is a member of the Houston Geological Society, American Geophysical Union, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, Texas Association of Environmental Professionals, Society of Petroleum Engineers, and the Houston Bar Association. Additionally, she volunteers with Soroptimist International of Alvin, is the founder of Alvin Restaurant Weeks, and is a former Board member of Friends of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ms. Kingham received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Hydrogeology from The University of Texas at Austin. Her term is set to expire on February 1, 2029.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: dkingham@tbpg.texas.gov
Samuel “Sam” McGee
Resides in Boerne and is the owner and chief executive officer of Crestmont Private Wealth, with office locations in Boerne and Houston. He is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute as a CFA charter holder and a member of the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association. He is a volunteer firefighter with the Boerne Fire Department, a trained SkyWarn Weather Spotter, and a Boerne Little League head coach. One of his current projects for the City of Boerne is the installation of a Lightning Detection system for warnings and strike forensics in cooperation with Texas A&M Meteorology Department. He is a former member of the Spring Branch Independent School District’s Education Foundation and the University of Houston Bauer College of Business Alumni Board. Additionally, he is the former director for ACS International Schools in America and current president of the Texas Hill Country Mustang Club. In 2022, Governor Abbott appointed McGee to the Firefighters’ Star of Texas Award Advisory Committee. McGee received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston. His term is set to expire on February 1, 2029.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: smcgee@tbpg.texas.gov
LaFawn Thompson
Resides in New Braunfels and is the Administrative Assistant for the Quality Control Division of Heldenfels Enterprises, Inc. Thompson graduated from Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, California and earned a certificate of completion for Secretarial from the Dickinson Business School in San Antonio, TX. She was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force at the rank of Sergeant. Her term is set to expire on February 1, 2027.
Work Phone: (512) 936-4408 Work Email: lthompson@tbpg.texas.gov