
Trusted Leaders in Land Services Since 1982
McDonald Land Services is a premier full-service land brokerage firm dedicated to supporting the energy industry nationwide.
As a minority-owned, female-led business with over 40 years of proven experience, we deliver strategic solutions grounded in experience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
THE MCDLS FOUNDING STORY
Growing up on a dairy farm, Ella McDonald learned early that hard work wasn’t optional and that there were no “men’s jobs” or “women’s jobs,” just jobs that needed doing. That mindset shaped the grit, resilience, and work ethic that would define her career. In 1978, she asked to become a landman at a small oil and gas firm in Oklahoma City. The owner laughed and said, “You can be a landman when pigs can fly.” Rather than being discouraged, Ella took that as a challenge and decided pigs would fly.
After four years of digging through records and gaining hands-on experience in every part of the field, Ella founded McDonald Land Services in 1982. What began as a bold idea has grown into a national firm with multiple offices and more than 150 contractors. While the company’s roots are in oil and gas, it has since expanded into renewables, carbon storage, and emerging technologies like hydrogen exploration.
Today, the company continues to lead with innovation, adaptability, and the personal service that has defined McDonald Land Services from the very beginning.
While much has changed, Ella’s core belief remains the same: strong, personal relationships lead to better results.
No matter the scope of the project, our goal is to make every client feel like they’re our only one. That personal connection sets us apart and it’s what drives us forward.
A CORE VALUE AT MCDLS
Meet the MCDLS Team
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Ella McDonald
Founder
Email Ella: Ella.McDonald@mcdls.com
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Martha Martin
Chief Financial Officer
Email Marti: marti.martin@mcdls.com
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Matthew Fish
Vice President of Operations
Email Matthew: matthew.fish@mcdls.com
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Megan Johnson
Vice President of Eastern Division
Email Megan: megan.bowers@mcdls.com
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Jesse Faily
Vice President of Land
Email Jesse: Jesse.faily@mcdls.com
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April Schleff
General Manager
Email April: april.schleff@mcdls.com
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