Clay County Commissioner Retta Collins
Following her victory in the July 2020 runoff election, Collins made history as the first woman ever elected to serve on the Clay County Commissioners Court. County Progress would like to thank Commissioner Collins for sharing her story.
HISTORY: I am proud to be the fifth generation to reside in Clay County. My parents are Mike and Julie Coker and the late Donna Coker, and I am the oldest of five children. My parents raised us in a faith-centered home with traditional family values. When we weren’t working, you could find us fishing, riding horses, and spending time as a family. While our life was simple and sometimes hard, I wouldn’t change it for anything, as it forged me into the woman I am today.
I attended Henrietta Midway ISD and was active in 4-H, Future Homemakers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Future Farmers of America, where I served as Sentinel. I played varsity basketball and attended Lubbock Christian University, where I continued my basketball career.
I met my husband, Cody, at a local team roping, and we have been together ever since. This year marks 33 years of marriage. The Lord blessed us with three wonderful children, Laycee, Mikayla, and Rope, and we have had the privilege to raise them on ranches here in Clay County. Cody and I are so proud of the responsible adults they have become.
Through the years I have worked at my family’s store, Waggoner’s, where I stayed current with community issues and developed lifelong friendships.
I earned a Surgical Tech Certification at Vernon College and worked at a hospital and for a veterinarian. My greatest roles are that of mother and nurse for my children and wife to my husband.
My husband and I prayed over the decision to run for office. I can’t thank my family and friends enough for their love and support. I leaned heavily on my husband and my father’s knowledge gained in his 22 years of service at Precinct 3.
My father worked at Precinct 3 and took great pride in his job. As we traveled in our daily lives, he would explain what he had done and why to our family. His knowledge is extremely instrumental in my role as Commissioner. It is reassuring to know my dad is a phone call away when I have a road issue.
I took office on Jan. 1, 2021. As Commissioner, I have advocated with our elected representatives on behalf of our county. I have participated in TCEQ meetings in Austin, educational conferences and legislative conferences for Judges and Commissioners, and multiple community events.
Knowledge is power, and staying current on hot-button issues is extremely important. I have worked with TDEM and FEMA to secure disaster recovery funds and was successful in getting all projects obligated.
When documenting data for our 2024 severe weather disaster, I formulated a spreadsheet to calculate the job costs. Chad Keyes with TDEM then reformatted my spreadsheet, and it is now used across the state to document disasters. Last year I was invited to be recognized at the Annual Conference for Emergency Management for my contribution in streamlining the FEMA process.
I am a member of TAC’s Core Legislative Group, have completed my Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum, volunteer with the North Texas Rehab Center, and was recently a co-speaker at the Texas Emergency Management Conference Workshop.
IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED? I can honestly say I was as prepared as possible and still was taken off guard by how heavy the weight sits upon my shoulders. The late Commissioner Richard Lowery once told me that it’s a job and not to let it overshadow my family life. I can’t thank my fellow Commissioners, elected officials, and the valuable county employees who I relied upon so much for all the questions they answered.
TYPICAL DAY: My typical day starts at approximately 5:45 a.m. If I am not meeting my crew directly at the county barn, we are speaking via phone regarding the day’s or week’s projects. I then check my emails, input data into our FEMA Workbooks, approve previous time, research the latest data center information, work on our subdivision rules and guidelines and budget proposals, and then head out to cut back brush to remove fuel load, or drive roads. I end my day by checking in with my crew, asking what, if any, problems they ran into, and preparing for the next day. Once I am home, I check my emails one last time before checking out for the day.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge thus far is the constant push from developers and big tech into our farming and ranching communities.
FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB: This is a hard one! I would definitely say the favorite part of my job is continuing a legacy of service instilled in me by my parents. While service isn’t always fun, it is always fulfilling.
