Austin, Texas, September 28, 2022 – Rodeo Austin is pleased to announce Glen Alan Phillips has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer, following Rob Golding’s retirement last month.
Phillips joined Rodeo Austin in August of 2021 as Chief Operating Officer and helped oversee the return of the Fair & Rodeo in 2022. During this past year, Phillips’ deep-rooted passion for building events, promoting agricultural education, and leading teams towards success has been evident. Prior to joining Rodeo Austin, Phillips served as President & CEO of the American Royal Association in Kansas City, General Manager of the National Finals Rodeo and had a nearly 20-year career at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.
As Phillips moves into the role of CEO, Rodeo Austin is excited to announce that Jeff Thayne has joined the team as Chief Operating Officer. Jeff joins Rodeo Austin after serving as Chief Operating Officer for Producers Cooperative Marketing Association in New Braunfels.
“Jeff is a wonderful addition to Rodeo Austin. He brings many years of industry experience and his dedication to serving the youth of our great state is apparent,” said Glen Alan Phillips. “Jeff’s integrity and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Rodeo Austin’s goals, and his proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with stakeholders will help further our mission.”
Prior to joining Producers Co-Op, Jeff spent more than 10 years at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo overseeing the livestock and horse shows, facilities and operations, and working closely with thousands of volunteers. His true passion for agricultural education matches perfectly with Rodeo Austin’s mission of growing the next generation.
Jeff and his wife Aron have two daughters, Ali and Reese. The Thayne family is actively involved in 4-H and showing cattle. Jeff has been involved at the board level with numerous industry organizations during his career. He currently serves as a board member for the Texas FFA, he is the Immediate Past President of the Texas Association of Fairs & Events, and is an active member of the Texas 4-H Livestock Vision Committee.
Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University. He also holds a Master’s in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.
“The opportunity to return to the Fair and Rodeo industry is extremely fulfilling for me,” said Thayne. “I’m looking forward to bringing my passion for agriculture and education to Rodeo Austin and working with the staff and volunteers to serve Rodeo Austin’s mission.”
