Hill Country Alliance: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources and heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country. Established in 2005, HCA's mission is to unite a diverse coalition of partners to safeguard the region's open spaces, starry night skies, clean and abundant waters, and unique character. The organization addresses challenges posed by rapid development and environmental concerns, emphasizing responsible growth and conservation.

Key Strategic Focus

HCA's strategic objectives encompass:

Land Conservation and Stewardship: Promoting sustainable land management practices to combat fragmentation and degradation.

Water Resource Management: Advocating for policies that ensure the sustainable management of surface and groundwater resources.

Night Sky Preservation: Collaborating with communities to reduce light pollution and protect the region's dark skies.

Community Engagement: Supporting comprehensive growth planning and transportation alternatives to foster vibrant communities.

These initiatives are tailored to address the unique environmental and developmental challenges of the Texas Hill Country.

Financials and Funding

As of the fiscal year ending December 2023, HCA reported:

Revenue: $1,779,442

Expenses: $1,420,511

Net Assets: $1,716,586

The majority of revenue (94.8%) was derived from contributions, with additional income from program services, investment returns, and rental property. Expenses were primarily allocated to salaries and wages, with executive compensation accounting for 8.5% of total expenses.

Leadership Team

HCA's leadership comprises dedicated professionals committed to the organization's mission:

Katherine Romans: Executive Director

David Yeates: President

Ben Eldredge: Vice President

Michelle Whitwell Pokorny: Secretary

Jeff Harkinson: Treasurer

These individuals bring diverse expertise to guide HCA's strategic initiatives.

Competitor Profile

As a nonprofit focused on regional conservation, HCA operates in a collaborative rather than competitive environment. It partners with various organizations to achieve shared conservation goals. While there are other environmental nonprofits in Texas, HCA's specific focus on the Central Texas Hill Country's unique challenges distinguishes it within the sector.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HCA collaborates with numerous organizations to amplify its impact, including:

Texas Hill Country Conservation Network: Serving as the convener and fiscal sponsor, HCA works with this broad coalition to advance shared conservation goals.

Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape Partnership: Engaging in efforts to protect land health and military readiness around Joint Base San Antonio.

Texans for Responsible Aggregate Mining Coalition: Addressing the impacts of aggregate operations on local communities statewide.

These partnerships enhance HCA's capacity to address complex regional issues effectively.

Operational Insights

HCA's operations are characterized by a lean structure, emphasizing collaboration and community engagement. The organization employs a team of nearly a dozen staff members and another dozen board members, fostering a passionate and geographically diverse group with expertise in various conservation areas. This structure enables HCA to respond swiftly to emerging challenges and opportunities within the Hill Country.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, HCA aims to:

Expand Community Engagement: Enhance outreach efforts to involve more residents and stakeholders in conservation initiatives.

Strengthen Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that support sustainable development and resource management.

Leverage Technological Tools: Utilize data and technology to monitor environmental changes and inform decision-making.

By building on its existing strengths and partnerships, HCA is well-positioned to continue its mission of preserving the Texas Hill Country's natural resources and heritage.