Team 1 — Crooked Creek Ranch

"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.

Roy Loris

Roy was the catalyst behind this project, first bringing the former Rose Ranch to Tom’s attention. His degree in Parks and Recreation from Arkansas Tech University has provided valuable insight into the project’s planning and development. A two-time Regional Duck Calling Champion and lifelong outdoorsman, Roy brings both expertise and passion to his role as Manager of Game and Fish.

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.

Scotty Jefferson

Farm Manager

Born and raised along the banks of Crooked Creek, Scotty brings a lifelong love of the outdoors to CCR. He holds a degree in Agri-business from Arkansas Tech University (ATU) and has built a distinguished career in agricultural stewardship with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. His experience includes coordinating prescribed burns, building firebreaks, conducting timber stand improvement, managing wildlife habitats, and much more. Scotty’s passion for land stewardship and the outdoors is reflected in his dedication to caring for the land and helping it thrive.

Mike Leonard

Ranch’s Operation Manager

Mike brings decades of construction and mechanical experience and a hands-on approach to his role as Ranch’s operations manager. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, and takes pride in keeping the ranch well-maintained and running smoothly. With a natural talent for working on machines, construction, and repairs, he is always ready to tackle whatever job needs to be done. His practical skills, attention to detail, and dedication to taking care of the everything, make him a valuable part of the Crooked Creek Ranch.