AGWORKERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Assistant Secretary
- Assistant Secretary at Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance
Adriana Clark-Hill is the current assistant secretary at Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance. She has worked within the company for nearly 25 years.
Clark-Hill grew up in nearby North Richland Hills, where she attended Richland High School, class of 1987. In 1993, she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in sociology and a minor in psychology.
After completing her education, Clark-Hill accepted an internship as a probation officer. There, she worked on bond cases to ensure compliance from recently bonded probationers, as well as writing sentencing recommendations for the judge.
Needing a change, she started a part-time position in the Ag Workers' file room in the summer of 1999. She worked as a file clerk for several months before transitioning to a role in the administration department.
After serving in this capacity for almost 20 years, Clark-Hill was formally named assistant secretary of Ag Workers in 2018. She is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the administration department. She coordinates company events, manages building maintenance, and serves as the secretary to her husband and company chairman, Marcus Hill.
She and Marcus have been married for 13 years, and they share four children and three grandchildren. In her time out of work, she enjoys traveling the country, spending time with family, and trips to the shooting range.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Secretary
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary of the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors and Executive
Brandon Hill serves as the secretary of the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He was appointed to the board in 2012.
Hill obtained his bachelor's degree in agribusiness from Texas A&M University in 2003 and, upon graduation, received the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior. Additionally, Hill obtained his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2006 and served as class president for three years.
Hill practices law at Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP in Fort Worth, where his practice focuses on banking and finance transactions. Notable accolades include being highlighted as a 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Fort Worth Business Press, recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer by Thompson Reuters, and named among the Best Lawyers in America® by U.S. News & World Report.
Hill serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, is the president of the board of the Fort Worth Community Land Trust and is a member of the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture Development Council. He has also served as a commissioner on the City of Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission, as president of Young Men for Arlington, and is involved with various other civic and service organizations. Additionally, he co-owns Hill Brothers' Cattle alongside his father, Marcus, and brother, Blake.
Hill is an Arlington, Texas native. He and his wife Gara have two children and are members of The First Baptist Church of Arlington. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family and following Aggie athletics.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President
- Treasurer
- Treasurer at Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance
Brian Freeman is the current treasurer at Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance and assistant treasurer of Worth Insurance, assuming a pivotal role in the organization's financial leadership.
Freeman spent his developmental years as the eldest among his two siblings in the midwestern town of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He attended and graduated from Kennedy High School, subsequently earning an associate's degree from Kirkwood Community College. Brian concluded his education with a degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa in May of 1982.
Freeman began his career out of college as an internal auditor before relocating to the metroplex in 1984. Over the subsequent 30 years, he worked in insurance accounting, predominantly life and health, before being hired by Ag Workers in 2014.
In 2015, Freeman successfully passed the CPA exam and earned the designation of certified public accountant. Management rewarded his hard work by elevating him to treasurer in 2020.
As treasurer, Freeman provides comprehensive oversight of Ag Workers' financial operations. This includes managing investments and maintaining strong communication with auditors, state examiners, and regulatory bodies to ensure the company's compliance.
Beyond the confines of the office, Freeman finds relaxation in occasional hunting trips and cherishes moments spent with his family. Celebrating 32 years of marriage, he and his wife, Sheila, are proud parents to six children and grandparents to eight grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology
Bryan Hencke is the current Director of Information Technology at Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance.
He attended Aledo High School from 1996 to 2000 before moving on to Weatherford Junior College to obtain his associate's degree. Hencke pursued a degree in computer information systems at Tarleton State University before graduating in 2005.
After completing his studies, Hencke transitioned to Ag Workers, where he has spent his entire 17-year career. He started in the role of IT technician in 2006 and progressively advanced to director of information technology by 2017.
Bryan holds several IT certifications, including his A+ and Network+ certifications. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, he received the Employee of the Year award for 2022.
In his free time, you'll catch Bryan glued to the TV, rooting on the Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars, or Rangers. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for seven years and love going to the movies or fishing at the lake.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Doug Cassidy began serving on the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors and Executive Committee in 2012.
Cassidy attended Texas A&M University and obtained his bachelor's degree in ag economics in 1985. He then earned his MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1993.
Cassidy has spent most of his nearly 40-year professional life in the banking industry. In 1985, he began his career as the vice president at Bank One. Subsequently, Cassidy transitioned to Worth National Bank, where he served as senior vice president when the company was acquired by Bank of Texas in 2007. Cassidy continued at Bank of Texas before being named senior vice president and manager of the commercial Fort Worth team at Southside Bank in 2012, a role he occupies today.
Cassidy frequently offers his ag expertise to local livestock shows. He became a member of the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate in 1997 and began working on the executive committee in 2010. He was appointed vice chairman of finance in 2012 and elected chairman of scholarships in 2018, a role he occupied for two years. Additionally, Cassidy has served on the board of directors executive committee for the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show since 2021.
Cassidy is married to his wife, Heather, and together they share two children. Apart from his volunteer work, he enjoys occasional hunting and fishing trips in his spare time.
Dr. Chris Skaggs has served on the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors since 2011.
Skaggs completed bachelor's degrees in animal science and agricultural education from Texas Tech University in 1982. He obtained his master's degree in animal science (reproductive physiology) from Kansas State in 1984 and a doctorate in animal science (animal breeding) from Iowa State in 1992.
Skaggs' career in agricultural education and animal science began in 1985 as an adjunct instructor at Iowa State. He later joined the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University in 1992 as an assistant professor. In 2007, Skaggs earned a promotion to professor, and in 2010, he was selected as the dean for student development at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Additionally, Skaggs works for Texas A&M AgriLife as he was appointed associate vice chancellor for producer relations in 2021. In 2022, Skaggs transitioned into the role of associate vice chancellor for stakeholder relations, a position he still holds today.
Skaggs' professional contributions have earned him many honors, including being recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2012. In 2011, he was honored by ING with the Professor of Excellence Award at Texas A&M. Additionally, he received an honorary Lone Star FFA Degree from the Texas FFA Association in 2022, recognizing his commitment to ag-aligned youth. Other relevant credentials include coaching the Texas A&M livestock judging team to a national championship in 1999 and being honored at the State Fair of Texas Collegiate Livestock Banquet for his outstanding accomplishments in the field.
Skaggs and his wife, Misty, reside in Bryan, Texas, and have two daughters. During his free time, he enjoys attending Aggie sporting events and serving as a judge in beef cattle shows.
Dr. Ed Smith has served on the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors since 2005.
Smith has multiple degrees in his chosen field of ag economics. He obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas A&M University in 1973 and 1977. In 1982, Smith completed his doctorate in agricultural economics and was conferred a doctorate in marketing by the university.
Smith began his 38-year career in ag extension after accepting a position with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, where he spent his entire professional life. He worked as an assistant and agent in 1975 and 1977, servicing Gaines and Terry counties before being named grain marketing specialist in 1982. By 1987, Smith joined the Roy B. Davis Professor of Agriculture Cooperation, where he worked to stabilize co-op businesses via policy and marketing strategy.
In 2001, Smith moved into administration with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program when he was appointed associate director for Agriculture and Natural Resources. In 2004, he stepped in as interim director only to have the interim title removed one year later. He served in the role until retiring in 2012.
Smith's exceptional service was awarded with the title of director emeritus upon his retirement. Post-retirement, he lent his expertise as a consultant with AFPC, served as a municipal court judge in Tahoka, and contributed to the Lynn County Juvenile Probation and Hospital Boards.
Smith and his wife, Elaine, live together in Bryan, Texas. They have two children, Edward and Jonathan, and four grandchildren. In his leisure time, Smith enjoys watching sports, especially with his grandkids.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Dr. Hurley Miller presently serves on the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He has occupied the position since 2007.
Miller attended Kilgore Jr. College on a football scholarship before transferring and obtaining a bachelor's degree in range and agronomy from Abilene Christian University. He subsequently completed a master's degree in education and was awarded his Doctor of Education in Agricultural Education.
During his football career at Abilene Christian, Miller was selected to the Lone Star All-Conference team, named ACU Offensive Player of the Year in 1992 & 1993, and was voted team MVP in 1991. He was inducted into the Kaufman Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Kilgore Sports Jr. College Hall of Fame in 2019.
Miller's professional life is defined by his work in agricultural extension. He served as an extension agent in McLennan, Tarrant, and Limestone counties, primarily dealing with community development and youth outreach programs like 4-H. In 2005, he transferred to Harris County to serve as extension director, and by February of 2008, was appointed district extension administrator of the North District IV with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Dallas, Texas. Miller was honored with the Superior Service Award by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in 2002, 2003, and 2018 for his contributions. Additionally, he was given the Outstanding Texan Award in Community Service by the Texas Black Caucus in 2003.
Miller currently resides in Grand Prairie and enjoys hunting, fishing, and engaging in various agricultural activities during his leisure time. He is the father of two daughters, Tyniesha and Madeline, and a grandad to Zoey.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Dr. Steve Fraze serves on the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He was appointed to the position in 2008.
Fraze earned his bachelor's degree in animal science from Lubbock Christian University in 1975. He completed his master's in ag education in 1978 and secured his teacher certification in vocational agriculture in 1976. Fraze went on to earn his doctorate in agricultural education from Texas A&M University in 1986.
Fraze has spent most of his professional journey in education. He is currently a professor of agriculture at New Mexico State University, where he heads up the Agriculture Department. He also has experience as a vocational ag teacher in Olton and New Home, Texas.
Fraze's notable achievements include earning the Western Region's Outstanding Agriculture Educator Award via AAAE, the Gamma Sigma Delta Service to Agriculture Award, and the Distinguished Service Award for Vocational Agriculture Teachers of Texas Association.
He extends his work in education to include contributions to youth programs like FFA and 4-H. Fraze has helped thousands of young ag students obtain degrees and certifications in the field. His work was recognized by being awarded the Texas FFA Association Distinguished Service Award, National FFA VIP Citation, and an honorary American FFA Degree.
Fraze is a native of Dora, New Mexico. He is married to his wife, Jo Beth, and they enjoy their two children and five grandchildren together. Fraze likes to unwind by playing golf, restoring antiques, or attending livestock shows.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice Chair of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors
Harriet J. McClure is a member of the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors, where she has served since 2016.
McClure completed her education at Texas A&I University, now known as Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she earned a bachelor's degree in home economics in 1976.
McClure's professional pursuits saw her spend time working in Washington, DC, for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In her five years there, she served as the confidential assistant to the chief of the soil conservation service as well as deputy director of intergovernmental affairs.
Additionally, she spent time in the education, philanthropy, and real estate fields. From 1979 until 1986, McClure worked as a home economics teacher, including as department head at Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, and at high schools in Waco and Coolidge, Texas. She also served as grants administrator for the Communities Foundation of Texas. As recently as 2021, she was the owner and operator of H. Jackson Rentals, where she managed real estate properties in southern Texas.
McClure's extensive community service work spans decades. She is heavily involved with the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of Texas (FCSTAT). Additionally, she was appointed commissioner on the Commission of Volunteerism and Community Service by Texas Governor George W. Bush and tapped by Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk as a member of the Citizens Police Review Board in 1995. McClure has served on the board of multiple organizations, including Girls, Inc., Baylor University Medical Center Foundation, and The Center for Nonprofit Management.
She is married to Fred McClure, and they have two children and three grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chairman of the Board and Former President of Ag Workers Mutual Insurance Company
Marcus Hill is the chairman of the board and former president of Ag Workers Mutual Insurance Company.
Hill attended Texas A&M University and obtained his degree in ag education in 1970, as well as an ag & bio teaching certificate.
His tenure at National Farm Life and Ag Workers began in 1970. Marcus was named VP of marketing and policy services in 1982 and was subsequently appointed to the board of directors in 1984. In 1988, Hill was made president of Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance, where he served until retiring in 2020.
Currently, Hill operates as the chairman of the board, a role he has occupied since 2006. In this capacity, he oversees company strategy, performance, and direction.
Hill's roots in the ag industry run deep. A native of Sulphur Springs, Texas, he participated in youth programs such as Texas 4-H and FFA, institutions he still actively supports. He served as Texas FFA state president and on many advisory boards, including the 4-H and FFA Foundation Boards.
His long list of accolades is reflective of his career impact, some of those including The Bill King Award at the Southwestern Expo and Livestock Show, Extension Service Man of the Year, Distinguished Alumni at Texas A&M Commerce, Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) Distinguished Service Award, and many others.
Hill is married to his wife, Adriana Clark-Hill, and together they share four children and three grandchildren. He is a passionate collector of coins and vintage trucks, and you can often find him enjoying time with his grandkids or traveling with his wife.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
- President and CEO of Agricultural Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Company
Michael Toole is the president and CEO of Agricultural Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Company, as well as the president of its subsidiary, Worth Insurance Company.
Toole, a native of Troup, Texas, spent his formative years on a ranch where he gained early exposure to business concepts. The farm and ranch served as a hub for several small operations, including gardening, hay-cutting, cattle raising, and timber businesses, in which he and his sister, Jeanie, actively participated.
Mike carried this experience through his education. He attended and graduated from Troup High School in 1974 and parlayed his time there into a football scholarship from North Texas State University. In 1978, Toole completed his degree in business marketing.
Toole spent years learning the insurance industry after graduation. He owns his MGA license, surplus lines license, and agent license, as well as a wealth of experience in underwriting, marketing, and reinsurance. Toole founded and oversaw the growth and development of several insurance companies before arriving at Ag Workers.
In 2013, Toole was formally appointed president of Worth Casualty Company and executive vice president of Agricultural Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Company. In 2020, he was named CEO & president of Agricultural Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Company, and in 2022, he was appointed president of Worth Insurance Company, the newly formed stock insurance company.
Toole has been married to his wife, Tricia, for 32 years, and together they share three children. When not in the office, you can likely find him at your nearest golf course playing a round of 18.
Ross Wilson has served on the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors since 2013.
Wilson obtained a bachelor's degree in ag economics from Texas Tech University before joining the workforce. In 1985, Wilson started a 36-year run with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. During his tenure there, he served as the director of government affairs, vice president, and eventually president and CEO in 2006. Wilson retired in 2021 but still operates in an advisory role to TCFA.
Wilson's significant involvement in various boards and committees related to agriculture exemplifies his dedication to the industry. Wilson spent time on the executive committee of the National Cattleman's Beef Association, the Agricultural Advisory Committee for the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, and the Texas Agricultural Council, where he served as chair. Additionally, he has provided his valuable expertise to the Southwest Council of Agribusiness, the International Stockmen's Educational Foundation, the TAMU Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture External Advisory Committee, the US-Mexico BI-National Committee, and the Tri-State Fair.
Wilson's contributions to the field have garnered him numerous accolades. In recognition of his achievements, his alma mater awarded him the Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Agriculturist and Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2001 and 2006, respectively. Additionally, Texas A&M and West Texas A&M honored his service with the Texas A&M AgriLife and West Texas A&M Presidential Pioneer Awards.
Wilson is a Claude native but now resides in Amarillo, Texas. He is married to his wife, Melody, and they have two children and five grandchildren. Wilson enjoys time with his grandkids and outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling in his free time.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Tony Williams serves on the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors and Executive Committee. His tenure with Ag Workers dates back 20-plus years.
Williams graduated from Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas, in 1980. Subsequently, he earned his bachelor's degree in ag economics from Texas Tech in 1984.
Williams briefly worked as a sales representative in Washington state before joining the National Cotton Council in 1986 and beginning his career in agriculture. In August 1988, Williams joined the Texas Cotton Ginners' Association. One month into his tenure, he earned a promotion to executive vice president and served in the role for 33 years before retiring in 2022.
Williams's 38-year career garnered many honors. He was awarded life membership in the Texas Cotton Ginners' Association in 2005 and received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Cotton Ginners' Association in 2009. Furthermore, in 2017, Williams was honored with the Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Agriculturalist Award by Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In 2022, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council.
Williams is a Lubbock native. He lives in Corpus Christi with his wife, Lagina, and they have two children. Williams enjoys various outdoor activities in his free time, including hunting, fishing, and boating. He is also a fanatic about Texas and U.S. history.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Travis E. "Gene" Jernigan joined the Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Directors and Executive Committee in 2012.
Jernigan has strong agricultural ties dating back to his youth when he was an FFA member and exhibited beef heifers at major Texas shows. After graduating from Godley High School In 1960, Jernigan moved on to Sam Houston State University where he completed his education, earning a bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural education.
Jernigan began his career teaching vocational agriculture at Bellville and Rio Vista High Schools. He served as vice president of the Young Farmers of Texas Association, president of the North Fort Worth Rotary Club, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Jernigan also spent time on the board of directors, was a longtime superintendent, and currently is an honorary vice president of the Hereford Show at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
Jernigan furthered his career at the Texas Electric Service Company (TESCOE), spanning 50 years of service culminating in his appointment to VP of government relations for the newly named Energy Future Holdings Company. In this role, he represented and lobbied before the Texas Legislature on behalf of the company and its numerous subsidiaries for 31 years in Austin, Texas.
Furthermore, Jernigan and his wife, Margaret, own and operate C3 Cattle Enterprise, a cattle, hay, and grain operation in Godley and Indian Gap, Texas.
Jernigan still resides in Godley with his wife of 34 years. Together they share four children, thirteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and attending stock shows.