Raycroft announced as permanent CEO of Ag Society
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Doug Raycroft will serve as CEO for the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society for the foreseeable future, taking on the mantle permanently as opposed to operating as the interim.
Raycroft stepped in to help as the Interim CEO for the Ag Society throughout the summer, following the departure of Guy Meyer from the position.
Meyer, who had been brought on to replace Ryan Schmidt, held the position for a little over a month before it became vacant once again.
“They were looking at hiring somebody permanently and just with the way I am with my education, I thought that it’s something I might be able to do. I applied for it and I’m still principal at the (Strathmore High School) for this year, but moving forward, I will be CEO (at the ag society),” said Raycroft. “It’s pretty exciting; a new challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to it … the Ag Society has a board, there was an interview process, and different things. I just went through the process just like anybody else.”
Throughout the remaining school year, Raycroft will serve as CEO on an effective part-time basis. Once summer 2026 rolls around, he will step into his responsibilities full time.
His elevation from interim to the permanent CEO took place in September, though he did not provide an exact date on which the change took place.
“It’s been pretty busy, just because the budget and stuff, and some of the things trying to get through where we can get ready for the new year,” said Raycroft. “Mostly, when we were getting ready for rodeo season and stuff, there wasn’t as much about dealing with budget and planning, so it’s a little bit different right now. You’re trying to think more from an organizational standpoint than just trying to get through an event.”
He added the new learning curve has thus far been fun and exciting for him to tackle. Despite his title, he emphasized deciding the future of the organization is a significant team effort as opposed to being at the whims of one person.
Serving as CEO, he will however be the primary spokesperson moving forward to be the face of significant developments and announcements.
“You really have to be collaborative with the operations, to the board and basically, you answer to them. For me, it’s just a lot of just making sure communication is good,” he said. “When communication’s good, then there’s less questions and people understand what’s going on and everything just works way better.”