Joel Cowley is the new Calgary Stampede CEO. Cowley, who holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a graduate degree in animal science from Texas A&M University, comes to the Stampede with a strong agricultural background and a keen understanding of the rural and urban connections that are intrinsic to the Stampede’s purpose. Much of his youth was spent participating in 4-H, something his grandfather, who raised Cowley and his brothers after they lost their parents at an early age, felt was extremely important.
It was his success with showing livestock and participating in livestock judging that led him to his early career, and also to the Calgary Stampede. His first trip to Calgary in 1993 was to support a Calgary Stampede livestock judging school as an instructor. It was an experience he continued for years, as well as attending and judging the Calgary Stampede’s 4-H on Parade.
As president and CEO of the internationally renowned Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Cowley’s long-standing relationship with the Stampede grew further. Cowley officially joined the Stampede in September, and is now settling in. Canadian Cattlemen congratulates Cowley in his new role!
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