JOHN WITTLER
Executive Director
John Wittler began his OC contracting work in 2017 and has worked to greatly expand the OC footprint in Southeast Colorado and Southwestern Kansas. He has helped train and develop scores of leaders over the years and particularly enjoys working in youth engagement and mentoring young entrepreneurs. John and his wife, Trina, live in Baca County, CO, where they run a small business, participate in a number of community and school boards , and raise their three children: Alea, Emma, and Brock. Since January 1, 2023, John has served as the organization's Executive Director.
Berlin Ervin
Director of Operations
Berlin Ervin, a native of El Paso, TX, grew up with a heartfelt passion for caring for others and a strong interest in healthcare. In 2019, her path led her to New Mexico, where she joined a Beginning Farmers Program and learned the active practice of regenerative and holistic land management. This transformative experience sparked a deep dedication to growing food, improving soil health, and supporting rural communities, all guided by the principle that “Food is Medicine.” An alumni OC’s Food Systems Internship program, Berlin joined the team as a full-time contractor in 2023. Since then, she has continued her commitment to advancing community food security and fostering vibrant rural communities, first as a OC Regional Coordinator and now as Director of Operations.
MEGAN ENGLAND
Director of Development
Megan England, OC’s Director of Development, began her OC connection as an E-Fair student and three-time intern from during high school. After completing her internships, she served as OC’s Intern Coordinator through her college years. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree, she became the Media Relations Coordinator at Oklahoma Wesleyan University while pursuing a Master’s in Strategic Leadership. In 2019, she found a way to return home to southeast Colorado as a licensed middle- and high school Business teacher. She rejoined Ogallala Commons full-time in 2022, and now leads the Workforce & Leadership Development programming along with her administrative work. In addition to OC, she enjoys being part of her local ambulance service as an AEMT and working on her family farm.
DARRYL BIRKENFELD, PH.D.
Director Emeritus
Darryl Birkenfeld completed his Ph.D. in social ethics from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, in 2002. Later that same year, he began work as an OC contractor and became the organization’s first Executive Director in 2003. Darryl and his wife, Joann, live in Nazareth, TX, Darryl’s hometown. On January 1, 2023, Darryl transitioned to OC Deputy Director and Stewarding Natural Resource Program Director, and serves today as OC’s Director Emeritus. Darryl is also the author of Hidden Underground: The Emergence of Ogallala Commons.
Maria Yañez
Regional Coordinator
Maria was born and raised in Houston, TX, where she learned to love plants and the outdoors. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's in Conservation Science, and in 2020, moved to Amarillo after marrying her high school sweetheart. In the Texas Panhandle, she had the opportunity to join the local chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, where she learned about Ogallala Commons and completed an internship in 2025 before joining the contracting team. As a full-time contractor with OC, Maria enjoys exploring the region and teaching others the importance of our natural resources!
JUSTIN HOWARD
REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Justin combines deep rooted farming heritage with proven public service leadership. A 4th-generation farmer from the historic Nicodemus community in Kansas and a passionate advocate for local food systems. A former 2501 Director and experienced market farm owner, he specializes in connecting farmers and rural communities with the resources they need to thrive.
Will Masters
Ogallala Life Educator
Will Masters has served as the Ogallala Life Educator with Ogallala Commons since 2025. In addition to his OC work, Will has practiced law in the Texas Panhandle & North Permian Basin for 15 years. An Amarillo local with privileged access to land, he grew up in the outdoors and learned to love our natural environment. He is a founder of Ogallala Life and is responsible for their landscape rehydration work demonstration projects. Will is also the environmental educator at Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Will's role at Ogallala Commons has a direct impact on landscape rehydration and water stewardship education through OC's Stewarding Natural Resources program. He and his family make their home in Amarillo, TX.
Lillian Rocha
My Foodshed Delivery Driver
Lillian Rocha holds a BBA in Production Operations Management and has over 25 years of experience in supply chain management with industry giants like General Motors, Alcoa, Philips Consumer Electronics, and General Electric. Despite a successful career, she sought a slower pace and more free time to focus on her passions: spending quality time with family and her dogs, Doug and Blue, fishing, traveling, gardening, and enjoying nature. Her love for animals, small communities, and good food now brings her joy. Stepping away from corporate life allowed her to reconnect with what matters most. Lillian is excited to be part of Ogallala Commons, assisting with the My Foodshed Northeastern New Mexico Food route to bring locally grown food to rural communities.
Meryl Benham
OC Grant Services
Meryl grew up in Midland, TX, graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, and currently serves as Associate Judge of Lubbock Municipal Court. In that role, she presides over the City’s Class C juvenile cases and helps develop innovative programs. Additionally, Meryl and her husband, Dustin, have two young children whom they adore. As a contractor for OC, Meryl researches, writes, coordinates, and reports on all of OC’s grant work in addition to assisting with intern coordination. Meryl is also a regular volunteer for the Salvation Army and drives for Lubbock Meals on Wheels.
Darrian Lambert
Technical Services
Darrian was born in Melbourne, Florida, but grew up in Amarillo, Texas from an early age. He is the eldest of five children and graduated from West Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Darrian first encountered Ogallala Commons as a Web Developer Intern in the summer of 2023, and returned for a second internship in 2024 before joining the contractor team full time. In his OC staffer role, he develops content for the website, optimizes the internal database systems, helps with technical projects, and supports OC's programs through technical means.
Alea Wittler
Communications Coordinator
Alea Wittler was born and raised in Vilas, a small community in southeast Colorado. She first got involved with OC as a student participating in E-Fairs, and then as an intern where she completed four internships. Her next step took her to West Texas A&M University where she completed her Digital Media & Communications degree and has continued to pursue her love for all things social and digital media. Now reconnected with OC as a staffer in 2026, Alea serves as the communications coordinator.
KIM HALL
OC BOOKKEEPER
Kimberly Hall lives in Amarillo, TX, and has worked as the Ogallala Commons bookkeeper since 2011. Kim and her husband founded Shane Hall Financial, a financial planning firm born out of the desire to find a better way to help clients improve and organize their financial lives into an easy-to-understand format. The Halls have two children, Sophia and Michael–both OC internship alumni–and enjoy traveling and doing anything outdoors like camping, fishing, skiing, and hiking.
Serena Flynn
My Foodshed Program Coordinator
Serena Flynn serves as the My Foodshed Program Coordinator with Ogallala Commons, where she supports local food systems by connecting communities with regionally grown food. She holds a degree from Texas A&M University and has lived in Canyon, TX, with her husband, Nick, for the past 15 years. With the kids off at college, Serena now enjoys her collection of plants as well as hiking and camping. She is also part of the Panhandle Texas Master Naturalist chapter, where she is deeply involved with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.