Pendleton hires its first general manager
PENDLETON Ore. – The Pendleton Round-Up Association has hired Casey Beard to serve as the 103-year-old event’s first-ever general manager, drawing on his experience as a past member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Board of Directors and as manager of Beard Rodeos LLC, a family company which provided livestock and production services for 20 years.
“I believe Casey brings knowledge and understanding of rodeo and our Western heritage and culture,” said Round-Up President Tim Hawkins, in a statement. “He also brings a diverse background that will be invaluable to our two organizations.
“On behalf of the Round-Up board of directors I would like to welcome Casey as the newest member of the Round-Up family. He is the right guy at the right time as we move into the next 100 years”
Throughout its history, the Round-Up has been solely managed by a volunteer board with more than 900 volunteers producing the annual event.
“Hiring a general manager is a necessary step in keeping ahead of the increasing challenges we face,” said Hawkins. “We are moving forward to protect this community treasure entrusted to us, which is so vital to our economy.”
Beard is excited to have been chosen for the position.
“This will be a rare opportunity to help the board develop strategic plans and operating procedures to shape its future growth,” he said.
A graduate of Washington State University, Beard holds master’s degrees in International Relations and Strategic Studies. He is a retired U.S. Army officer whose assignments included serving as an exchange officer with the British Army and on General Schwarzkopf’s staff during Desert Storm.
Following retirement from the Army, Beard was hired by Morrow County to direct public safety programs during the destruction of the chemical weapons stored at the Umatilla Chemical Depot. Most recently, Beard took a position at Blue Mountain Community College, serving on the President’s cabinet as the Director of Grants where he secured funding for new BMCC workforce development initiatives and oversaw special projects to improve educational opportunities.
Courtesy of PRCA