"From White Oak Ridge and “Grandfather’s Gravel Bar,” to Briggs Ford crossing of Crooked Creek to Kavanaugh and Twin Hollers, the hills, canyons, bluffs, springs, fauna and flora all speak to me."

Tom Dumas

Founder and Manager - Crooked Creek Ranch

An Arkansas Tech graduate, former Naval Aviator and real estate entrepreneur, Tom brings decades of experience in development and land preservation. He holds an MBA from the University of Florida and helped bring Dutton Island Intracoastal Waterway Park to life, a project that became a catalyst for protecting more than 1,000 adjoining acres.

After acquiring Crooked Creek Ranch in 2019, Tom connected with ATU to explore creating a park, preserving history, protecting Crooked Creek and strengthening the local economy.

Carol Burgtorf

Project Consultant

Carol works with Tom to coordinate and facilitate collaboration at Crooked Creek Ranch. Raised on an Oklahoma farm, she brings a lifelong connection to the land and a background in nuclear medicine, research and departmental leadership. The ranch’s geology, waterways, wildlife and dark skies continue to inspire her interest in its future.

Lalit Malik

Assistant to Tom Dumas

Lalit supports Tom Dumas in succession planning, including Crooked Creek Ranch as a legacy project. His background spans accounting, sales and marketing, film production and sound engineering, including a 2014 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Overall Sound. A photographer and outdoor enthusiast, he sees the ranch as a source of clarity, perspective and creativity.

Mike Leonard

Ranch’s Operation Supervisor

Coming Soon