Casey Beard, Pendleton Round-Up General Manager, Announces Retirement
Casey Beard, the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon’s first General Manager, has informed the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Directors of his intention to retire on May 1st, 2019.
Beard announced his retirement at this time to provide ample time to conduct a search for his replacement and give his successor the opportunity to get their boots on the ground in advance of next year’s Round-Up and Happy Canyon. “It has been an honor to serve as he first General Manager in the long, illustrious histories of these world famous events”, said Beard. “I am proud to have been a part of the recent success that the Round-Up and Happy Canyon have enjoyed; especially winning the PRCA’s large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year the past three years. I will miss the many great friends I have made as General Manager; especially the loyal, creative and dedicated staff who have contributed so much to such success as I have enjoyed.”
Round-Up President Dave O’Neill observed, “Casey has done a truly outstanding job as our first General Manager. I don’t think that anyone else could have accomplished what he has achieved. Casey had the perfect mix of experience, leadership, communication skills, vision, initiative, planning abilities and the personality to establish the General Manager position. He has helped the Round-Up achieve outstanding success as our General Manager. Among the many important projects he helped spearhead were revitalizing our east end facilities including the 1910 Room and Section DD Bar, achieving record attendance and retail sales, improving relationships with the city, expanding our facilities, creating a vibrant social media presence and winning the PRCA Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year award three times.”
Echoing O’Neill’s sentiments, Happy Canyon President Corey Neistadt said, “Casey Beard was the perfect choice as the Round-Up and Happy Canyon’s first General Manager. What he has accomplished in his years with us has been amazing. His work on new initiatives like bringing in more events such as the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest, creating a better relationship with city officials, helping expand our brand recognition through a strategic partnership with Travel Oregon, the Happy Canyon Princesses participation in Cowboy Christmas during the National Finals Rodeo and getting Chinook to open the National Finals Rodeo have paid great dividends to our organizations. His contributions will be felt for years to come. We wish Casey and his wife Anne all the best in their new adventures”.