Steph Dirden serves as the President of the Stepheny C. Dirden Farm, a role born from a deep reverence for his family’s East Texas roots. A Jacksonville native, Steph spent over three decades as a leader at the world-renowned Getty Museum in Los Angeles. There, he managed complex media operations and played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the Getty Center. This distinguished background in cultural management and preservation now fuels his mission to safeguard the Dirden family heritage. After returning to Texas in 2019, he dedicated his retirement to researching family genealogy and successfully securing a Texas Historical Marker for the farm. Beyond his work with the foundation, Steph is a passionate advocate for CASA of Travis County. He views the farm not just as land, but as a vital chapter of American history that he is committed to preserving for the public and future generations.

Corrine Joy Patrick-Dirden brings a wealth of professional expertise and a global perspective to the Board of the Stepheny C. Dirden Farm. Originally from Jamaica, Corrine moved to the United States in 1980 and launched a successful, long-term career in the financial sector. Specializing in real estate, she spent years within the appraisal division of Bank of America and currently oversees appraisals for Rocket Mortgage in Travis County. Her professional insight into property stewardship and land value is an invaluable asset to the board’s long-term goals. A dedicated mother of four and a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Corrine is committed to a legacy of health, resilience, and community strength. Alongside her husband, Steph, she is passionate about honoring the farm’s history, ensuring that the stories of the Dirden family’s achievements are protected and celebrated as a lasting resource for the community.

Justin “Jhud” Hudson is an entrepreneur, educator, and community leader from Riverside. He is the founder of 1LoveIE, a lifestyle brand built on the message of peace, love, unity, and community. Through business, mentorship, and his personal project series for middle schoolers, the “Dreams Come True Tour,” Justin is passionate about inspiring others to believe in themselves, give back, and lead with love. His life’s mission is simple: to bring people together and remind them that together, we are one.

Stacey L. Dirden-Thirkill serves as the Secretary for the Stepheny C. Dirden Farm, bringing a lifelong connection to the Jacksonville area and a deep commitment to service. After graduating from Jacksonville High School, Stacey pursued her education at Tyler Junior College, Jacksonville College, and the University of Texas at Tyler. Her distinguished thirty-year career in the psychiatric field—including twenty years at the Behavioral Health Center in Tyler and a decade at Rusk State Hospital—honed her innate sense of compassion and advocacy for others. Today, Stacey translates those values into the preservation of her family’s heritage. While she finds her greatest joy in caring for her grandsons, Bryson and Elijah, she is equally dedicated to ensuring the farm remains a pillar of the community. For Stacey, the farm is a living legacy of resilience, and she is honored to help safeguard its history for future generations.

Ryan Dirden brings a perspective of national legacy and dedication to the board, representing the Dirden family’s reach from his home in California. An alumnus of Damien High School, where he excelled in both football and wrestling, Ryan continued his studies at Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton. Currently a professional stager, Ryan applies his keen eye for detail and organizational skills to help the Stepheny C. Dirden Farm achieve its long-term vision. Despite the distance between the West Coast and East Texas, Ryan remains deeply rooted in the farm’s mission of historical preservation. He views the stewardship of the land as a vital way to honor his ancestors and ensure that the stories of their hard work and success continue to inspire the family and the public alike. Ryan is proud to contribute to a cause that bridges the past with the future.