SALINAS, CA, October 20, 2023 – Steve Davis will serve as President of the California Rodeo Salinas for the next 2 years. Davis, who has been volunteering since 1991 and has worked on the Sponsor and Gala Committees among others, was put in place at the annual stockholder meeting on October 19 along with fellow officers Henry Dill, 3rd Vice President, and Tim Baldwin, Secretary. Dill has served on the Track, Coordination, and Show Production Committees while Baldwin has chaired the Livestock Welfare and Passes Committees and plays a key role on the Show Production Committee. They join Bob Eggers, 1st Vice President, Tom Nielsen, 2nd Vice President, and Patty Standridge, Treasurer. “I am looking forward to leading the California Rodeo Association for the next two years, especially with this great team of officers. We are all passionate volunteers who strive to keep the traditions of the West alive and thriving,” said Davis.
The evening also featured Connie Rossi Rains being named an Honorary Director; she’s made a lasting impact on the organization, including chairing several committees such as the Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering and Special Buckaroos Committees. Tim Prader, a veteran volunteer on the Long and Short Branch Committees, moved to an Advisory Director role, stepping aside for new leaders to progress within the organization. Arena committeemen Charles Harris and Casey Vollin, who both have experience with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, were named directors along with Wesley Chan who is a long-time volunteer on the Maintenance and Construction Committee, and Joey Martinez who volunteers on multiple committees, and chairs the Volunteer Services Committee. Read the full biographies below.
President Steve Davis
Steve Davis fell in love with the Salinas Rodeo in 1991 and has since been an active part of its community. From serving on the Chili Cook-Off Committee to chairing the Gala/Dinner Dance Committee, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership. As a dedicated member of the Sponsor Committee, he ascended to an officer position in 2016. Notable highlights include his leadership in organizing the Spurs and Stilettos Centennial Gala and the successful Legendary Evening with Steve Young and Jim Tunney for Public Recreation Unlimited. Steve, currently the Vice President of Business Development at Taylor Farms, resides in Salinas with his wife Shellie, and their three sons, Zachary, Kyle, and Luke.
3rd Vice President Henry Dill
Henry Dill's journey with the California Rodeo began in 2002, eventually leading to his pivotal roles as Director and Secretary. With a background in agriculture, he has been a dedicated figure in the organization, notably contributing to the Track, Announcing, and Show Coordination committees. Currently, he is actively involved in organizing the inaugural California Rodeo Junior Rodeo event for June 2024. Supported by his wife, Lisa Jo, and their children, Henry remains deeply rooted in his family, enjoying cherished moments with his grandchildren Katy and Hank. Apart from his Rodeo commitments, you can find Henry cooking, participating in outdoor sports, or reading.
Secretary Tim Baldwin
Tim Baldwin has been a director with the California Rodeo since 2013. His dedication to the sport began over 20 years ago when he volunteered for the Rodeo's Track Committee. He has since chaired various key committees, including the Coordination, Credential, Carnival, and Livestock Welfare Committees. Tim's passion for rodeo was recognized when he was awarded the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) Committee Person of the Year in 2022. Currently, he remains actively involved in the PRCA's Livestock Welfare Committee and serves on the board of directors for the Association of Rodeo Committees. Outside of his rodeo commitments, Tim is a partner at the law firm of Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss and resides in Chualar Canyon with his partner, Brandi Thomas.
Honorary Director Connie Rossi Rains
Connie Rossi Rains, a devoted Salinas native, has volunteered for over three decades, notably chairing committees such as Special Buckaroos and the Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering. Her passion for community service is inspired by cherished memories of local parades and Rodeo events, driving her commitment to supporting regional non-profits. Currently overseeing Community and Alumnae Relations at Notre Dame High School, Connie has enjoyed a diverse professional journey, transitioning from teaching to administrative roles. Supported by her husband, Dan, for 22 years, she takes pride in her children's accomplishments and enjoys watching movies and indulging in episodes of Yellowstone, all while actively promoting the Rodeo's values as an Honorary Director.
Advisory Director Tim Prader
Tim Prader, a dedicated community volunteer since 1983, has contributed significantly to various committees, including the Short Branch and the Long Branch Committees, overseeing bar operations and liquor management. Alongside his community work, he has been self-employed since the early 1980s, owning Prader Enterprises and serving as a partner in Shale Canyon Wines, managing their vineyard and Carmel tasting room. With over 32 years of marriage to his wife Sue, they proudly support their daughter Danielle, a Metro Nashville Police Officer. Tim enjoys riding his Harley, hosting barbecues, and cutting firewood while actively assisting in the transition to new leadership in his Advisory Director role.
Director Wesley Chan
Wesley Chan, a native of Salinas, has actively volunteered since 1995, notably contributing to the Maintenance and Construction committee. Witnessing tangible improvements within the rodeo has filled him with immense pride. Professionally, with 15 years of experience as a Project Manager at The Don Chapin Company Inc., Wesley has passionately contributed to various construction projects. A lover of the outdoors, he enjoys family time and community engagement. Cherishing his role as a proud uncle, Wesley values the opportunity to work alongside exceptional volunteers, including his father, Stanley Chan, as they collectively lead the Rodeo into a promising future.
Director Charles Harris
Charles Harris, who grew up near Oakdale, CA, the Cowboy Capital of the World, swiftly carved his place in the rodeo world. He excelled in tie-down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling, achieving significant victories such as the 2001 Denver Stock Show and Rodeo Championship. Putting his promising career on hold, he transitioned to farming with his father-in-law after marrying the "farmer's daughter." Currently residing on a 120-year-old farm south of Salinas, Charles and Holly actively raise their children, Jackson and Bristol, who partake in rodeos and other sports across California. Additionally, he has contributed to the sport by serving as the California ProRodeo Circuit Timed Event Director and the Steer Wrestling Director, and now on the Arena committee in Salinas, demonstrating his commitment to preserving the Western way of life for future generations.
Director Joey Martinez
Joey Martinez, originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, has dedicated himself to a life of service, both in the military and within his community. Starting his volunteering journey in 2007, he has actively contributed to various committees, notably supporting the California Rodeo through Marketing, the Colmo del Rodeo, Kiddie Kapers Parades, and Volunteer Services Committees. Joey's proudest moment was organizing a poignant tribute to the 13 fallen servicemen and women from Afghanistan, showcased on The Cowboy Channel. His retired life includes serving as the Commander of the American Legion Post 694 in Marina while cherishing moments with his spouse, Lupe Covarrubias-Martinez, and their children and grandchildren. Alongside his community commitments, he enjoys shooting, fishing, and horseback riding, all while preserving a strong bond with his family.
Director Casey Vollin
Casey Vollin, a former rodeo competitor from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana, has been actively volunteering since 2006, serving on the Arena and Bucking Chutes Committees. His proudest achievement lies in fostering strong connections between the California High School Rodeo District 4, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse Junior Rodeo, and the California Rodeo Salinas. Balancing his roles as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Professional Bull Riding Pro Official, Casey also manages his local business, Custom Auto Trim. With a strong focus on family, he and his wife Andrea find joy in supporting their daughters, Kali and Taylor, as they pursue their own passions in the world of rodeo.
Photos by Mag One Media.
Officers L to R: 2nd Vice President Tom Nielsen, 1st Vice President Bob Eggers, President Steve Davis, Treasurer Patty Standridge, 3rd Vice President Henry Dill, Secretary Tim Baldwin.
Directors L to R: President Steve Davis, Directors Wesley Chan, Charles Harris, Joey Martinez, and Casey Vollin, Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2023 Rose Escobar.
President Steve Davis
About California Rodeo Salinas
The 114th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 18-21, 2024. The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year-round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donations of our facility, vending, and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association returned over $771,000 to local non-profits in 2023. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775.3100.
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