The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) recently added three team members to its staff and bestowed new roles on two current employees.
Katie Ray saddles up as the Foundation and Youth Coordinator. From Scottsdale, Arizona, Ray moved to Texas to attend Baylor University where she competed on the equestrian team after a lifetime of competing horseback. She held many roles in the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association and National Reining Horse Youth Association.
“I’m incredibly excited to support the NRCHA Foundation’s and NRCHYA’s goals to fund more scholarships; provide more resources for the crisis fund; and illuminate and provide opportunities to wholistically support our youth through tutoring, college application support and more,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be supporting an organization that really supports its members and their goals.”
Maci Meads joins the NRCHA team as Media Coordinator. Reined cow horse runs thick in her family, as her father and grandmother both showed cow horses in the Oregon Reined Cow Horse Association and influenced her to, as well.
“I look forward to the opportunity to help promote the reined cow horse industry while also honoring its rich history,” she shared. “The NRCHA community is truly one of a kind—some of the most genuine, passionate and dedicated people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. I’m excited to work alongside them and contribute to the continued growth and success of the sport.”
Jessi Medlin serves as the new Educational Programs Coordinator. She grew up around ranching, roping and cutting and entered her first NRCHA show in 2018. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture science led her to 16 years as an Agriculture Science teacher in Texas.
“I’m honored and ecstatic to have the opportunity to ‘make the best better’ by collaborating with all sectors of the incredible cow horse community to provide exceptional educational experiences in diverse formats,” she said.
Patty Tiberg, who joined the NRCHA team in 2024 as Cow Horse Incentive and Marketing Manager takes on the role of Director of Incentive and Sponsorship.
“I’m thrilled to step into the expanded role as NRCHA Director of Incentive and Sponsorship, where I will continue to manage the Cow Horse Incentive program while taking on the exciting opportunity to cultivate and grow relationships with our valued sponsors,” she said. “I look forward to building on the incredible growth the Cow Horse Incentive program has achieved in its first year and creating partnerships that enhance the NRCHA experience for our members, competitors and supporters.”
Tina McCleary, who most recently served as Premier Event Manager, has been elevated to Director of Shows. McCleary has been with NRCHA for more than three years, beginning as Membership and Affiliate Shows Coordinator.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the NRCHA membership by overseeing all aspects of showing with the NRCHA, its affiliates and its sanctioned shows,” McCleary shared.
