About the Owner

A Journey of Creativity and Community

I’m David H. Waller, a storyteller, designer, and journalist who has built a career blending creativity with community engagement. Born and raised in Albany, Texas, I’ve always had a passion for art, design, and storytelling—a passion that led me through the worlds of sports, marketing, and media before bringing me back home to do what I love.

The Path to Western Trail Media

After graduating from Albany High School in 2007, I pursued dual degrees in business and electronic media at Texas Tech University, an unconventional pairing that would ultimately shape my career. My professional journey began in sports, working with the Texas Rangers and AT&T Stadium, where I was part of the team organizing the Cotton Bowl Classic. During my time as Director of Digital Marketing at the Cotton Bowl, I discovered my passion for graphic design and media production, skills that would define the next chapter of my career.

In 2020, my wife Courtney, our sons Graham and Luke, and I made the decision to return to Albany, drawn by the sense of community and a desire for a more meaningful life. What started as a freelance design business soon evolved into Western Trail Media, a company dedicated to journalism, branding, website development, and digital marketing.

Western Trail Media & The Albany News

In 2025, Western Trail Media acquired The Albany News, ensuring that our community newspaper remains strong while expanding into modern media solutions. This blend of traditional journalism and digital innovation allows us to preserve Albany’s stories while helping businesses, organizations, and events connect with their audiences in new and engaging ways.

Today, Western Trail Media is more than just a business—it’s the realization of a lifelong passion for storytelling, design, and community impact. Whether through a news article, a brand identity, or a website, I’m honored to use my creativity to serve others and help bring their visions to life.