4 5 ANNUAL MEETING BRINGS EXECUTIVE CHANGES TO STOCK SHOW LEADERSHIP Executive leadership changes with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) are few and far between, so when they occur it’s a significant event as was the case April 22 during the organization’s annual business meeting. Completing a two-year transition, Matt Carter was elected to replace Brad Barnes in the role of president of the organization formally known as the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show. Capping off 39 years of service in various roles, Barnes retired from the Stock Show staff and was elected president emeritus. Beginning as a calf scramble committee member in 1986, he gradually found himself appointed to increasingly important roles before joining the fulltime staff as executive vice president in 2004, general manager in 2007 and elected president in 2010. Competitions and entertainment offerings during Barnes’ tenure as president experienced impressive growth. Popular contests including ag robotics, high school bar-b-que, shooting sports and others attracted a broadening base of youth competitors. Music venues including the Michelob Ultra Roadhouse, Auditorium Entertainment Series and The Corkyard drew crowds to enjoy a variety of music genres. Moreover, renovations of the Stock Show’s home, the Will Rogers Memorial Center, were a major focus for Barnes who also played an instrumental role in the planning of the Stock Show’s home for rodeo, Dickies Arena. CARTER ELECTED PRESIDENT Stock Show General Manager Matt Carter was elected to succeed Barnes and now holds the titles of president and general manager, which has been the organization’s tradition since W.R. “Billy Bob” Watt, Sr. began serving in both roles in the 1950s. Carter was quick to commend Barnes’ leadership. “As our president, Brad Barnes always inspired us and stressed that the Stock Show can always be better,” said Carter. “I’m proud to take the torch for continual improvement as we look for new ways to expand the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s impact and to engage a broader audience.” In addition to Barnes’ and Carter’s elections, the organization’s board of directors also elected the following officers to oversee the Stock Show’s affairs in the coming year: Philip C. Williamson, chairman; Edward P. Bass, chairman emeritus; Charlie Geren, vice president; Scott Kleberg, vice president; Elaine Agather, secretary; and Randy Rodgers, treasurer. Carter’s General Manager’s Annual Report highlighted the 2025 Show’s results touching on attendance, entries, auction results (including the record-breaking Jr. Sale of Champions), rodeo and other important matters. He also touched on improvements currently being made to the iconic Will Rogers Coliseum. TOP PHOTO: President Emeritus Brad Barnes speaks at Annual Board Meeting. Wilson C. Martin, Breck Ray and George M. Young, Jr were elected Honorary Vice President. Pictured here is Breck Ray. Left to right: Chad Lee, Kathy Presbaugh, Janet Settle, Stephen Luskey, George H. (Buzz) Grant, and Jason M. Charbonnet were elected to the Stock Show’s board of directors. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | Annual Meeting
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