The People Behind Liberty Mineral Partners
Our team is built on a foundation of transparency, expertise, and a genuine commitment to serving mineral owners with integrity and professionalism.
David Ryan
Managing Partner
David Ryan is the Managing Partner of Liberty Mineral Partners, where he leads acquisition strategy and sales operations. Since entering the mineral industry in 2018, David has been personally involved in hundreds of transactions and has built a reputation for approaching deals with clarity, discipline, and a long-term relationship mindset.With over two decades of experience in sales and leadership, David’s career has been defined by working with people, building teams, and navigating complex transactions. He began with the Larry H. Miller Group in 2002, advancing from finance into sales management, before moving into the global semiconductor equipment industry in 2013. There, he bought and sold equipment internationally and served as a Sales Director. These experiences shaped his ability to lead, negotiate, and execute at a high level—skills he brings to the mineral business every day.At Liberty Mineral Partners, David is most proud of the team he has built. With a close-knit group the company is grounded in a shared belief that people come first. While many mineral buyers focus on quick transactions, David and his team take a different approach—prioritizing fit, transparency, and long-term relationships over one-time deals. Their goal is simple: provide mineral owners with the best information available so they can make the right decision for themselves and their families. Success, in David’s view, is when a mineral owner chooses to come back again—not because they have to, but because they trust the relationship.David remains highly accessible and is always willing to speak directly with mineral owners, whether to walk through a potential transaction or simply serve as a resource. He believes that trust is earned through consistency, honesty, and doing what you say you’ll do.
Originally from Lubbock, Texas, David spent part of his youth in Albuquerque before returning to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University, where he earned a degree in Business Management.
David and his wife Audrey have been married for 18 years and live in Round Mountain, Texas with their two children, Collin and Gabby. Outside of work, David’s time is centered around family. His son Collin is active in 4-H shooting sports, competing in archery and BB gun, and has developed a passion for hunting and even building his own bows and arrows. His daughter Gabby is also involved in 4-H BB gun, and enjoys horseback riding and art. Weekends are typically spent traveling to their activities or enjoying time together outdoors.
The Ryans are active members of Community Church of the Hills in Johnson City, where Audrey leads the children’s ministry on Wednesday nights.
Jettie Rangel
Mineral Acquisition Analyst and Partner
With 19 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Jettie is a skilled land professional specializing in title research, mineral acquisitions, and transaction management. She has extensive experience analyzing land tracts, conducting both cursory and curative title, and resolving complex ownership issues.
Her background includes negotiating agreements, preparing conveyance and leasing documents, and managing deals from initial outreach through closing. She is also experienced in supporting high-volume acquisition efforts.
Known for her attention to detail and strong communication skills, Jettie brings a well-rounded, results-driven approach to every project.
Outside of her professional work, she volunteers with Austin German Shepherd Rescue, photographing adoptable dogs, and owns White Paw Photography, a dog-focused photography business.
Nick Kreines
Key Strategic Partner
Nick Kreines works alongside Liberty Mineral Partners as a key strategic partner, bringing over 16 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. As President of NAK Resources Inc., based in Lakeway, Texas, Nick specializes in sourcing, structuring, and executing mineral and energy-related transactions, typically ranging from $100,000 to $5 million.
Nick collaborates closely with the Liberty team, as well as operators, land groups, and investors, to identify opportunities, clear title, and bring deals to market with confidence and efficiency. His role is deeply integrated into the transaction process, and he is trusted as a core part of the team’s execution and deal strategy.
Known for his transparency and deep industry knowledge, Nick has built a reputation as someone who values long-term relationships over short-term wins—recognizing that today’s competitors are often tomorrow’s collaborators. His expertise in title review and curative work allows him to deliver marketable opportunities on the front end, helping ensure smoother, more reliable outcomes for both buyers and sellers.
Over the course of his career, Nick has completed hundreds of transactions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. He combines a data-driven approach with a strong commitment to fairness and follow-through, and he is known for honoring his word. He does not shop offers, which has earned him lasting trust across the industry.
Nick’s experience spans the legal, operating, land brokerage, and mineral sides of oil and gas, giving him a well-rounded perspective on every transaction. He holds an MBA and a Certified Professional Landman (CPL) designation and is a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) and the Austin Association of Professional Landmen (APLA).
Outside of work, Nick enjoys golf, tennis, and pickleball, and spending time with his family supporting his children’s activities.
