Keith Martin, who has led the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo for thirty years, and built it into one of the largest and most popular events of its kind, is retiring from that post, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Martin will become CEO of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Educational Foundation, which distributes the millions of dollars in scholarship money the rodeo distributes each year.
Martin started as a volunteer at the Stock Show and Rodeo, and in 1989 he became executive director. In 1989 he had just a handful of staffers and revenues of just over $4 million.
Today, the Stock Show and Rodeo has a staff of nearly 40, more than 6,000 volunterrs, and a total economic impact of a quarter billion dollars.
“Keith Martin is a one of a kind leader. He has been the catalyst for exponential growth and sophistication of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, bringing it to where it is today," Chairman Joe Soules said. "We are all so grateful to Keith for his vision, leadership and the tremendous impact he has had on each of us, the show and this community."
Martin will be succeeded by Cody Davenport, who is the current president of the event.
“This has been an incredible journey and I’m so proud of all that has been accomplished," Martin said. But, it’s very important to recognize that it is the volunteers that make this organization successful. And you can’t provide leadership without having an understanding of the heart of a volunteer. Cody brings nearly 25 years of volunteer service to this position and has proven his leadership as a business owner, an innovator and volunteer. Cody will do an outstanding job. I’m looking forward to focusing on raising funds to support the mission even further in my new role.”