California Rodeo Salinas Announces New Directors and Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers at Annual Stockholders' Dinner Held on October 15

 

SALINAS, CA – October 16, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas welcomed 2 new

Directors, recognized longtime volunteers and announced new Advisory and Honorary

Directors during its annual Stockholders' Dinner on Thursday, October 15.

Matthew Cole and Drew Scarr were named new Directors of the California Rodeo

Salinas. Both have been involved with the organization for more than 20 years and

bring valuable experience and dedication to their new leadership roles.

The California Rodeo Salinas Officer team remains unchanged for 2026-2027:

● President: Bob Eggers

● 1st Vice President: Tom Nielsen

● 2nd Vice President: Henry Dill

● 3rd Vice President: Tim Baldwin

● Secretary: Matt Jenkinson

● Treasurer: Patty Standridge

The organization also recognized two new Advisory Directors, Greg Baxter and Cyndie

Ferrell Fournier, and welcomed longtime volunteers W.B. "Butch" Lindley and Vivien

"Viv" Lindley as Honorary Directors.

With more than 70 committees supporting everything from arena operations and

security to concessions, hospitality and community events, volunteers are the backbone

of the California Rodeo Salinas. Many dedicate decades of service to the organization,

helping preserve its traditions while making each year's Rodeo possible.

NEW DIRECTORS

Matthew Cole

Salinas native Matthew Cole began volunteering with the California Rodeo in 2005 and

has served on the Sponsor Hospitality, Long Branch and Bar Inventory committees. He

enjoys the friendships and sense of community that come from working together to put

on a great Rodeo while giving back to local nonprofits. Matthew works in sales at Taylor

Farms and is also active in several community organizations. He has volunteered with

the California International Airshow for 14 years, been a member of the Monterey

County Sheriff's Posse for 12 years and serves on the California Young Farmers and

Ranchers State Committee. Outside of work and volunteering, he enjoys hiking,

hunting, skiing and traveling.

Drew Scarr

Salinas native Drew Scarr has been volunteering with the California Rodeo since 2003,

following in the footsteps of his father, Mark. He has served on the Concessions and

Announcing committees and is currently Chairman of Front Gate Security. Drew takes

pride in continuing his family's Rodeo tradition and working alongside his committee to

make sure fans enter the grounds safely and efficiently. He is the Product Development

& Commercial Sales Manager at San Benito Seeds. Drew and his wife, Niko, have three

young daughters, Hayden, Avery and Ellie. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, BBQing,

traveling and being a girl dad.

NEW ADVISORY DIRECTORS

Advisory Directors are longtime leaders who transition from active Director roles while

continuing to share their knowledge and experience with the organization. This

transition also creates opportunities for new volunteers to step into leadership positions.

Greg Baxter

Greg Baxter has been a dedicated member of the California Rodeo Salinas

Maintenance & Construction Committee since 1991, traveling from his home in Galt,

California, to volunteer at the Rodeo Grounds. He became a Director in 2007 and has

contributed his time and expertise to numerous projects over the years. An electrician

by trade, Greg has played an important role in maintaining and improving the facilities

that support the Rodeo. One of his favorite memories is the sense of accomplishment

his committee shared after rebuilding the arena when the new grandstands were

constructed. As he transitions to an Advisory Director role, Greg's years of service and

commitment to the Rodeo are greatly appreciated.

Cyndie Ferrell Fournier

Cyndie Ferrell Fournier was also recognized for her years of dedicated service as she

transitions to an Advisory Director role. She has been a valued part of the California

Rodeo Salinas and its Sponsor Hospitality Committee, helping support the relationships

and hospitality that are so important to the organization. The Rodeo appreciates her

leadership, commitment and continued involvement.

NEW HONORARY DIRECTORS

Honorary Director recognition is reserved for individuals who have made a lasting

impact on the California Rodeo Salinas through their service, dedication and

contributions to the organization.

W.B. "Butch" Lindley

Butch Lindley has been a California Rodeo volunteer since 1990, serving on the Kiddie

Kapers, Cowboy Poetry, Colmo Parade, Special Buckaroos and Committee BBQ

committees. A Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Butch served in the U.S.

Army before building a career in agriculture, including 50 years as a pest control

advisor. He was a partner in J&L Farms and Lockwood Vineyard and currently owns

and manages Coastal Wine Services. Butch believes strongly in giving back to his

community and was especially honored to be named a 2022 Committee Member of the

Year alongside his wife, Vivien. The couple has three children and eight grandchildren,

four of whom volunteer at the Rodeo. When he's not working or raising cattle, he enjoys

traveling, although he jokes that it's usually because Vivien makes him!

Vivien "Viv" Lindley

Vivien Lindley began volunteering with the California Rodeo Salinas in 1990 and has

served alongside Butch on the Kiddie Kapers, Cowboy Poetry, Colmo Parade, Special

Buckaroos and Committee BBQ committees. Born in Tokyo to a military family, she grew

up in several places around the world before making Salinas her home. Viv worked for

the Salinas Police Department for 20 years before dedicating more of her time to

community service. She and Butch were honored as the Rodeo's 2022 Committee

Members of the Year, a recognition that meant a great deal to both of them. Viv enjoys

cooking, entertaining and traveling, but says the friendships she's made and the

opportunity to give back are what make volunteering so rewarding.

VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Several individuals and committees were also recognized for their outstanding

contributions to the California Rodeo Salinas during the annual dinner:

● Gold Saddleman Award: Steve Davis

● Committee Person of the Year: Staci Pierce

● Arena Committee Person of the Year: Cindy Silacci

● Committee of the Year: Track Committee

The evening also included the unveiling of the 2027 California Rodeo Salinas

commemorative poster, featuring 2026 Debbie Pedrazzi Memorial Cutting Champion

Nette Hoover and her mare, Jazzen.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS

The 117th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 15-18, 2027. As a not-for-profit

organization, the California Rodeo Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions

of the California Rodeo Salinas and the Western way of life while fostering community

involvement and cultural heritage. The Association supports local nonprofits and

community groups through its annual Rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas

Sports Complex. In 2026, these efforts generated over $919,000 for local organizations

and Western-related groups.

For more information, visit www.CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at (831)

775-3100.