Joel Cowley

Joel Cowley has extensive experience in the agricultural and livestock industry. Joel currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Calgary Stampede since September 2021. Prior to this, they were the President of Angus Genetics Inc. from June 2020 to June 2021.

From 2013 to 2020, Joel Cowley held the position of President and CEO at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Before that, they served as the Executive Director of Agricultural Exhibits at the same organization from 2005 to 2013.

Joel Cowley also gained valuable experience at Certified Angus Beef LLC, where they worked as the Assistant Director of Foodservice from May 2004 to January 2005, and as the Executive Account Manager for International markets from November 2002 to May 2004.

Joel began their career in academia, working at Michigan State University as an Extension Beef Cattle Specialist from June 1997 to November 2002. Prior to that, they served as an Extension Area of Expertise Agent for Livestock from September 1995 to June 1997.

Joel Cowley's career started at Texas A&M University, where they worked as a Lecturer and Livestock Judging Team Coach in the Department of Animal Science from January 1988 to September 1995.

Joel Cowley holds a Master's degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, which they earned between 1988 and 1995. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor's degree in Animal Science at Colorado State University from 1985 to 1987. Joel began their higher education journey at Northeastern Junior College, where they obtained an Associate's degree in Agricultural Education from 1983 to 1985. Later on, they pursued an MBA at Michigan State University from 2000 to 2001 with a focus on Business.