Midland Development Corporation welcomes two new board members in 2025

Two new members joined the board of the Midland Development Corporation earlier this year. A seven-person Board of Directors leads the MDC, and Garrett Donnelly and J.Ross Lacy were appointed in January 2025. The Midland City Council appoints each board member for a three-year term. A board member may serve up to two three-year terms before their eligibility ends. 

Members are selected for their leadership, business experience, and insight. Their backgrounds form a cross-section of the community, including innovative entrepreneurs, thriving family businesses, and participation in the cultural activities keeping our community vibrant and strong.

Meet Garrett Donnelly

In addition to serving on the MDC Board of Directors, Garrett Donnelly is the Vice-President of The Eastland Oil Company and Vice-President and COO of Eastland International Resources, Inc., manager of Rocinante Energy LLC, and managing partner of Bear Lodge Minerals, LLC. As a fifth-generation leader in the family business, Donnelly brings exceptional experience in business and service leadership to the board.

In 2018, Donnelly was appointed to the Texas Historical Commission, the “THC”, for his first term and reappointed in 2024 by Governor Greg Abbott. The THC focuses on historic preservation by preserving the unique cultural, archeological, and architectural landmarks across the state. Donnelly is currently the Vice-Chair for the commission and has served in various capacities, including serving on the Executive Committee.

Locally, Donnelly is currently on the board of directors for both the Permian Basin Petroleum Association and Safe Place of the Permian Basin, where he serves as Chairman of the Construction Committee. Safe Place is a non-profit organization providing 24-hour emergency shelter to those affected by domestic violence, a 24-hour crisis hotline, and additional services for individuals or families. He is also a member of the Permian Basin Landman’s Association and the American Association of Petroleum Landmen.

Meet J.Ross Lacy

Joining Donnelly for a first term on the board is J.Ross Lacy, the President of Lacy Oil Corporation, and Managing Partner of Lacy Capital, LLC. Prior roles for Lacy include time as Managing Partner of CATI Well Service, LLC, and President of the Midland Spaceport Development Corporation.
Lacy brings governmental experience to the MDC Board of Directors after serving as Midland City Council member for District Four from 2014 to 2019. Lacy also received a key appointment from Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee. 

In 2016, Lacy received the John Ben Shepperd Pathfinder award in recognition of his leadership capabilities while under the age of 40.

2025 Midland Development Corporation Board Members

Donnelly and Lacy join the current 2025 board:

• Chairman P. Lourcey Sams
• 1st Vice Chair Jill Pennington
• 2nd Vice Chair Brad Bullock
• Treasurer Zack Deck
• Secretary Elvie Brown

To learn more about the 2025 Midland Development Corporation Board, click here.