Tracy has over 25 years in natural resource management, first as an environmental engineer, then as Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit working in sustainable agriculture. Currently, Tracy is a certified Organic Livestock Inspector and a consultant whose primary focus is sustainable land management. She, along with her husband, operates a diversified family farm with hair sheep, free-range eggs, nut and fruit orchards, small fruits and a market garden.
While living in Europe, Tracy deepened her appreciation for sustainably managed agricultural lands after seeing first hand that locally produced foods produced strong local economies. This realization culminated in her pursuing and receiving her Masters degree in Sustainable Development with specialty in Agriculture. After returning to the United States, Tracy put her passion to work, joining non-profit Holistic Management International (HMI).
As Chief Operating Officer for HMI, Tracy worked closely with agricultural producers, NGO’s and government agencies to create plans for long-term sustainability of agricultural operations. With the objective of strengthening rural economies, she created training programs for farm and ranch staff and/or owners, utilizing a decision-making framework that taught them to balance the competing priorities of financial, environmental and social benefits. She also provided project management and on-site training/mentoring to HMI’s consulting clientele; including greenhouse gas emission calculations and carbon sequestration strategies. Prior to joining HMI, Tracy worked for 18 years as an environmental engineer, specializing in watershed management.
Tracy is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas. She received her Engineering degree from Texas A&M University, and her MSc. in Sustainable Development (with Agricultural specialty) from the University of London, United Kingdom.