Joel Cowley

Joel Cowley serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Stampede. Prior to his current role, he spent 15 years with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which included eight years as the Executive Director of Agricultural Exhibits and Competitions and seven years as the president and CEO.

Prior work experience includes serving as President of Angus Genetics Inc., working in the International and Foodservice Divisions at Certified Angus Beef, serving as an Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at Michigan State University, and coaching the livestock judging team at Texas A&M University for seven years.

Joel grew up in Fort Collins, CO and was a member of both a National Champion 4-H Wool Judging Team and a National Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team. He was a member of the livestock judging team at Northeastern Junior College, and a member of the livestock and wool judging teams at Colorado State University. He has judged cattle shows in more than 30 states, Canada, and Brazil.

He holds a BS in Animal Science from Colorado State University, an MS in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from Michigan State University.