The RANGE Strengthens Leadership Team as Key Initiatives Continue to Grow

As several of its major initiatives continue to move from planning into implementation, The RANGE is announcing leadership additions and transitions designed to support the organization's next phase of growth across workforce development, healthcare, and water stewardship.

Over the past year, initiatives such as Horizons Workforce Development, AgriShield, Project Rooted, and several rural healthcare projects have advanced from concept to active implementation, creating a need for additional leadership and expertise.

"When we launched The RANGE, we knew solving some of the region's biggest challenges would require bringing together people with different experiences and areas of expertise," Matt Garner, Ph.D., Executive Director of The RANGE, said. "As our projects continue to grow, it is important that we continue building a team capable of turning ideas into action. We are excited about the experience, leadership, and perspective these individuals bring to our organization."

One of the most significant leadership transitions at The RANGE involves Horizons, our workforce development initiative.

Jay Barrett, who developed the Horizons curriculum, recruited and led the program’s inaugural cohort, and helped establish the foundation for the program’s future growth, is transitioning to The RANGE Board of Directors. In this new role, Barrett will continue supporting the organization’s mission and helping guide its long-term strategic direction.

“Jay’s leadership was instrumental in launching Horizons and demonstrating the value of workforce development across the Panhandle,” says Matt Garner, Ph.D., executive director of The RANGE. “We’re grateful for his continued service as a board member and excited about the future of the program.”

As Horizons enters its next phase, longtime educator and administrator Sherry Clark has joined The RANGE as Principal Investigator of Workforce Development and will assume leadership of the initiative. Clark brings more than two decades of experience in education, leadership, training development, and organizational improvement. Her background includes more than a decade with Region 16, service as a training specialist at Pantex, and most recently, leadership roles with Hereford ISD. Horizons was launched to help young adults develop workplace skills while creating stronger connections between local employers and future employees. Clark says she is eager to build on the program’s early success.

“The first cohort proved there is a need for this type of program,” she says. “I am looking forward to strengthening relationships with employers across the Panhandle and helping participants develop the skills and confidence they need to build meaningful careers.”

The next phase for Horizons is expected to include expanded employer partnerships and additional career placement opportunities for graduates.

The RANGE is also excited to welcome Dr. Amanda Mathias as Principal Investigator of Healthcare and Nutrition. Mathias brings extensive experience in behavioral health, healthcare systems development, and public policy. After serving in a behavioral health provider role across Texas, she helped develop and implement programs and systems on a statewide level before returning to the Panhandle to focus on improving access to care in rural communities. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Meadows Institute–Panhandle. Throughout her career, Mathias has been recognized for her ability to use data to identify community needs, build collaborative partnerships, and develop practical solutions that improve access to care.

"The Panhandle faces unique healthcare challenges, but it also has tremendous strengths," Mathias said. "I believe true progress occurs when organizations work together, rely on good data, and respond and tailor collaboration and service development based on the unique needs of the people they are serving. The RANGE’s evolution and expansion in their focus areas through the recognition of that uniqueness of our Panhandle culture is why I am excited to contribute to the work to advance these initiatives for our families and neighbors."

Mathias will help lead The RANGE's growing healthcare efforts, including projects focused on rural health system support, telehealth expansion, healthcare innovation, and improving access to services across the Panhandle's rural communities.

The RANGE also announced the addition of Reagan Owen as a graduate intern. Owen is currently pursuing his master's degree through Texas Tech University and will be working alongside Floyd Hartman, Principal Investigator of Water Stewardship. His work will focus on helping develop a better understanding of the economic value of water across the Texas Panhandle, a key component of The RANGE's ongoing efforts to support long-term water planning and sustainability.

"Water is one of the most important issues facing the Panhandle, and having the opportunity to learn from someone like Floyd Hartman is incredible," Owen said. "I am excited to contribute to work that will help our region better understand and plan for the future."

"As exciting as the last year has been, we’re really just getting started," Garner said. "The work ahead is significant, but so is the opportunity. We believe the Panhandle is uniquely positioned to lead in a number of important areas, and building the right team is an important part of making that happen."