Reagan rich, CEO
Reagan co-founded Optima Land Services in 2014 and has been instrumental in guiding the company’s growth and success. With over 15 years of experience across the U.S. and a background from Texas Tech, Reagan has established himself as a respected landman in the Permian Basin. He is well-versed in all aspects of the land industry, and his ability to navigate complex negotiations has delivered significant value to Optima’s clients. Reagan believes Midland is the ideal home for Optima, strategically located in the heart of the energy sector. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling across the country with his family and spending time with his daughter.
☎ 432-355-3120
Chase ragsdale, vp of land & ACQUISITIONs
After graduating from Texas Tech in 2008, Chase moved to Midland to launch his career as a landman. Following five years of hard work and hands-on learning, he joined Optima Land Services, where he has thrived ever since. Chase brings strategic insight to both the landwork performed for clients and the internal operations of the company. He has extensive experience in mineral, surface & leasehold acquisition and a deep understanding of the entire process—from negotiating with mineral owners to navigating the complexities of modern lease agreements. Chase is an active member of AAPL, PBLA, DAPL, MLBC, and PALTA. When he’s not closing deals, he’s busy coaching his sons’ baseball team and raising four boys—making negotiations at work seem like the easy part.
☎ 432-355-3121
David Saxe, honorary Chairman
In memory of David, co-founder of Optima Land Services, whose leadership and vision shaped the company since its founding in 2014. David brought a wealth of practical knowledge and experience that were critical to Optima’s growth and success. From an early age, he worked alongside his father, a prominent title attorney in Midland, gaining invaluable insight into the land side of the oil and gas industry. With decades of experience and deep roots in Midland, David’s knowledge of the Permian Basin and his connections throughout Midland and Odessa were unmatched. He was actively involved in the PBLA, AAPL, PBPA, and many other industry associations. Outside of work, David enjoyed spending time on the golf course and traveling with his wife. His legacy continues to inspire the Optima team every day.
scott phillips, general counsel
With all of the legal hurdles that come with the oil and gas business, Optima was in need of a knowledgeable attorney to help them navigate the complexities of oil and gas law. That is where Scott came in. Highly recommended, Scott has been a great asset for Optima ever since joining the team. Scott earned his law degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law). He is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, an honorary society of lawyers who are among the best trained attorneys in Texas. Scott was also selected by his peers as a Top Attorney in Fort Worth, Texas from 2015 to present. Scott enjoys spending time traveling around Texas with his wife.
☎ 432-218-2409 X17
Raymond long, vp of land & operations
Raymond Long, another Texas Tech Graduate, joined Optima Land Services at the beginning of 2015. With over 10 years of experience, Raymond and his title/due diligence team have worked some of the toughest mineral and leasehold title in the Permian & Delaware Basins. His efforts have brought clarity to the complex ownership of West Texas at a level on par with any title attorney, creating great value for the clients of Optima. His leadership and expertise have paved the way for Optima’s successful history and bright future. Raymond is also an active member of the PBLA, and AAPL. Raymond enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, tinkering away in his garage and hitting the links.
☎ 432-355-3125
dillon stovall, senior land manager
Dillon hit the ground running upon his arrival at Optima Land Services in the spring of 2019. Optima needed a Permian Basin Due Diligence savant, as well as someone to put together and run the inaugural Optima internship program. They found that and more with Dillon. Always with a chip on his shoulder, Dillon is eager to prove doubters wrong, which paired with his expertise in Oil & Gas title has made him the perfect fit in Optima’s Due Diligence team. He also has the experience to do so, with over 28 billion dollars of closings on projects he has worked on and managed…but who’s counting? His work with the inaugural Optima internship program helped train the next generation of landmen and was wildly successful.
☎ 940-631-7297
Jimmy decell, sEnior Land Manager
Jimmy is a Texas National Guard Veteran and is the definition of homegrown Optima talent joining the Optima team in 2016. Now with nearly a decade of experience working surface, mineral, and leasehold title in the complex Permian and Delaware Basins, Jimmy has become an expert in all the intricacies of West Texas title Ownership. From managing teams in the military, Jimmy successfully manages multiple crews and projects, and consistently delivers accurate and thorough title reports to Optima’s clients. Jimmy’s attention to detail and dedication constantly see’s him going above and beyond the job description. He is an active member of AAPL, PBLA, and FWAPL, and outside of the office enjoys hitting the gym, hunting, golfing, and spending time with his wife and 2 daughters.
☎ 432-218-2409 X56
Chris ybarbo, Senior Land Manager
Chris Ybarbo started at Optima Land Services a few months after they opened shop. With over 6 years of land experience in mostly the Permian, Chris has obtained more knowledge and expertise than some 15-20 year working land professionals. With his leasehold and mineral title experience, he has become one of the most knowledgeable Optima Landmen. Over the last few years, Chris has been tasked with reviewing many dozens of due diligence projects for Optima’s clients. He has shown the ability to work under perilous deadlines to get Optima’s clients the information needed to be comfortable with many million-dollar acquisitions. Chris spends the weekends in Lubbock Texas, cheering on the Red Raiders and spending time with his family.
☎ 432-218-2409 X47
taylor garrison, senior land manager
Originally from Allen, Texas, Taylor Garrison began his career in the oil and gas industry shortly after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He got his start with Optima Land Services in September 2021, where he continues to bring dedication and insight to the team. Taylor loves making new connections in the industry and participating in company networking events, most notably when he went to an industry Clay Shoot where he ranked 1 out of 100 participants, which is quite an accomplishment in West Texas. Taylor is happily married with two children and enjoys spending his free time with his family. An avid hockey fan and athlete, he loves playing ice hockey, golfing, fishing, and cheering on the Dallas Stars.
☎ 432-218-2409 X
vance choate, Senior land manager
Vance Choate is an experienced Petroleum Landman with Optima Land Services LLC, where he has worked since 2016. With nearly a decade of expertise in title research, lease negotiations, and mineral rights analysis, he plays a key role in facilitating successful oil and gas transactions. Known for his attention to detail and strong understanding of land and legal documentation, he consistently delivers accurate and efficient results for clients across various regions. His deep industry knowledge and collaborative approach make him a trusted asset in land services and energy development.
☎ 432-218-2409 X
Jason Potts, Senior land manager
He began his career in the telecommunications industry, quickly advancing to Senior Switch Technician with Sprint. Seeking new opportunities, he transitioned into the oil and gas sector as an Independent Petroleum Landman. In the early 2000s, he launched his land career in East Texas, conducting mineral title research and preparing ownership reports for small lease projects. His work has spanned Texas, Oklahoma, Southeastern New Mexico, with additional experience in Southeastern Ohio and Northeastern Montana. His responsibilities have included surface, mineral, and leasehold title work, contract negotiations, title curative, and ownership/unit calculations. Since 2016, he has focused on the Permian Basin, specializing in managing complex title projects and mentoring new land professionals.
☎ 682-551-3050
Sarah Phillips, Operations Coordinator
Since joining the company in 2018, Sarah has been a vital part of the team, overseeing accounting operations in-office, supporting HR functions, managing New Mexico pipeline projects, and keeping the office running smoothly. She also coordinates company events, ensuring every detail reflects the team’s energy and values. Originally from the DFW area, Sarah relocated to Midland in 2018 with her husband, Scott Phillips, whom she married in 2017. When she’s not keeping things in order at the office, she’s at home with their two dogs, Carla and Millie, enjoying life at their lake house, or traveling the world.
☎ 817-896-4300
Jason Wagner, GIS Director
A Midland native, Jason brings over 15 years of experience in geophysical acquisition and seismic survey operations within the oil and gas industry. His background includes extensive work in project operations, mapping, and collaborating closely with landmen and permit agents to support successful exploration efforts. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and a MBA from the University of Texas Permian Basin. A licensed private pilot and FAA Part 107 certified commercial drone pilot, Jason integrates advanced aerial data solutions into land services, enhancing project accuracy and efficiency. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, staying connected to the community where he was born and raised.
☎ 432-218-2409 X
amanda kennedy, landman
Amanda Kennedy brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as a Landman, where she specializes in running title and mentoring new team members through comprehensive training. With a deep understanding of title work and a commitment to precision, Amanda ensures every project is handled with professionalism and care. As a devoted spouse and mother, she balances a thriving career with a rich family life. Outside of work, she is passionate about travel and the outdoors—finding joy in discovering new places and the focused calm of fishing. Amanda values connection, patience, and ongoing personal and professional growth. She brings these qualities into every environment she joins.
☎ 432-218-2409 X