FORT WORTH, Texas — National Farm Life Insurance Co. has appointed Dr. David Barrera, Texas A&M University System Associate Vice Chancellor Kim McCuistion and Texas Tech University Vice Provost Cindy Akers to its Board of Directors, following a shareholder vote at the company’s annual meeting last month.
Dr. Barrera has cared for patients at Texas Oncology-Southwest Fort Worth for nearly three decades. McCuistion is leading the development of A&M’s new downtown Fort Worth campus, and Akers is nationally recognized for leadership and innovation in agricultural education, communications and administration.
The NFLIC board aggressively supports profitable, sustainable growth while maintaining the company’s longstanding commitment to family, service, integrity, loyalty and security.
“David, Kim and Cindy are a perfect fit for NFLIC,” said company President Kyle McGregor. “Their deep expertise in healthcare delivery, higher education and the agricultural industry will provide diverse, strategic insight to our markets as they work with current board members to ensure peace of mind for policyholders and growth opportunities for agents.”
Board Chairman J.D. “Chip” Davis: “It’s gratifying to have such high-caliber leaders. Their impressive experience will be a tremendous asset, adding value to all levels of the business. We’re grateful for their commitment to serve one of the most trusted life insurance and financial services companies in the country.”
In addition to his oncology practice, Dr. Barerra serves as medical director for Journey Hospice, a full-service agency providing in-home assistance to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. He earned his doctorate of osteopathic medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in medical oncology at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas.
He is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology and Texas Medical Association.
“NFLIC is built on a proud legacy of serving families and communities,” he said. “I am honored to join this dedicated team and look forward to contributing to a mission that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.”
McCuistion, as director of Texas A&M-Fort Worth, is working with city and county leaders, industry partners and A&M System universities and agencies to create a unified hub focused on workforce development, research and technology. The first facility of the new campus — the Law and Education Building — is slated for completion next summer, with classes beginning fall 2026.
Before her A&M System appointment in 2022, McCuistion was dean of Tarleton State University’s Fort Worth campus. She spent 11 years at Texas A&M-Kingsville in a joint role with that school’s Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. She holds a bachelor’s in animal science from Texas A&M University, a master’s in animal science from Kansas State University and a doctorate in agriculture from West Texas A&M University.
“I am humbled to be selected to the NFLC Board of Directors,” she said. “I look forward to helping continue the company’s dedication to policyholders, agents, employees and the communities we serve.”
A Texas Tech graduate, Akers served as interim dean of the university’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for a year and a half and as associate dean for academic and student programs for eight years prior to becoming vice provost for academic affairs in 2023.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary agriculture, a master’s in agricultural education and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. She served as president of the Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture program in 2019 and was named an American Association for Agricultural Education Fellow in 2017.
“It’s a privilege to join NFLIC’s Board of Directors,” she said. “Education and financial stability are deeply interconnected, and I’m excited to contribute to the important work this company does to support families and communities across the Lone Star State.”
For more on NFLIC and a list of its board members, visit www.nationalfarmlife.com.
