Ag Society makes significant executive staff shifts

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In order to support further growth and development of the organization, as well as future and ongoing capital projects, the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society has announced several staff position changes. 

“This is essentially about shifting the Ag Society in order to prepare us for growth that is coming, already occurred, and that is coming in the future,” explained Ryan Schmidt, general manager and chief executive officer for the Ag Society. 

“We have had to grow because we have taken on new events, our current events have expanded, and we have been taking on new important capital projects, like renovating Diamond One at our baseball diamonds, construction of our new infield suites, and of course, the big one is the planned Western Events and Cultural Centre.”

Schmidt added the team felt the organization needed to shift in order to better allow its members to accomplish their goals, as well as to facilitate further growth, organization, and relationship maintenance. 

Meagan Miller has been promoted to head of operations and will now be taking on the day-to-day management of all operational aspects of the Ag Society, including sponsorship. 

Haley Hawes now serves as the Events Coordinator, and Danielle Paddock is now the full-time rentals coordinator who will be overseeing building and grounds rentals, as well as baseball bookings. 

Ryan Hupponen and Kelin Goebel are two new hires, serving respectively, as the new events manager, responsible for planning and executing events, and administrative/ executive assistant, operating the front desk.

“As far as permanent positions, we have done all of our changes. We do not have any more positions we are hiring right now – I think we are all set and ready for the growth coming over the coming years,” said Schmidt. “(Though) we do not have any additional positions that are open right now, we of course have our seasonal hires, which we are doing, which include grounds staff, office staff, and baseball concession staff as we get everything ready for another busy summer.”

Schmidt estimated it is likely to take the majority of his time and efforts going forward in order to focus on procuring the capital and the plan for the Western Events and Cultural Centre over the next several years. 

His duties, as usual, will also include collaboration with the board of directors, maintaining business relationships, and involvement with key organizational decisions.

More information regarding Ag Society developments, as well as the future Western Events and Cultural Centre is available online.