WPRA Names Darla Lindt New Chief Operating Officer and Board Executive Secretary
By: Ann Bleiker
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association recently named Darla Lindt as the new Chief Operating Officer and Board Executive Secretary, replacing Janet Cropper, who retired on April 15, 2021.
The WPRA Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for all the hands on operational aspects of the WPRA activities and is a critical partner to the WPRA President in terms of growing and ensuring a healthy and viable not for profit membership based business. In addition, the COO leads the office team, headquartered in Colorado Springs, handling the day-to-day operations to be efficient, productive, and effective. As the Board Executive Secretary, in conjunction with the President, will help facilitate special teleconference and in-person board meetings as well as help facilitate other duties of the WPRA Board of Directors including but not limited to what is set forth in the official rulebook.
“The WPRA is excited to have Darla Lindt join our team,” said Heidi Schmidt, WPRA Vice President. “Darla brings to the table a vast knowledge of business from many diverse areas and we cannot wait to see what contributions she is able to make.
“The hiring process, when replacing a trusted and valued employee such as Janet Cropper, was a long and very well thought out one. Again, we are excited to welcome Darla to the WPRA team, and look forward to working with her to help the association flourish.”
Lindt is a resident of Colorado Springs and prior to joining the WPRA was a branch owner of an insurance agency specializing in cyber insurance and farm/ranch policies. She served as the Executive Director at the National Cyber Exchange (NCX), a non-profit member organization. Her other background includes being one of the first employees of a Nutri-System franchise owner, who opened the Colorado Springs market in the late 80s and early 90s, building the business from the ground up. This position led to a Director position with the Jenny Craig Corporation.
“I have such an advantage coming to an association with such strong operations, that is financially sound, has a very hard-working Board of Directors and a stellar staff in the office who operate like a well oiled machine,” said Lindt. “As the association launches from this strong foundation, I believe great things are ahead for the members, sponsors and partnerships of the WPRA”.