American Royal Announces Leadership Changes to Advance Next Chapter of Growth and Innovation

With STAR bonds funding secured and construction underway,
Jackie McClaskey Named President and Chief Innovation Officer;
Pat Macy named Chief Executive Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 10, 2026) – The future of the American Royal has never been more forward-looking. With renewed momentum on the new American Royal Campus in Wyandotte County, the organization is entering a defining moment, as food and agriculture remains the central focus. STAR bonds funding is secured, construction is underway, and the American Royal is on track to open its new barns this Fall, marking the next chapter for a Kansas City institution more than a century in the making.

In support of this momentum, the American Royal Association is pleased to announce two key organizational changes to its senior leadership team, and a third role focused on growing the organization’s world-class events and experiences.

Jackie McClaskey will assume the dual role of President and Chief Innovation Officer. As she continues to lead the development of the New American Royal Campus, McClaskey will also drive a broader mandate for innovation across the organization’s events, educational initiatives, and mission-driven programming.

McClaskey has served the American Royal Association in leadership roles for the last seven years. Prior to joining the organization, she served the Kansas Department of Agriculture for eight years, five of which as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. Previously, she served as Assistant Dean of the Kansas State University College of Agriculture.

McClaskey’s responsibilities include directing the design-build team, spearheading capital campaign fundraising and public financing strategies, and forging partnerships with neighboring enterprises as the American Royal evolves into a national conveyor of food and agriculture thought leadership.

“This campus is more than a construction project,” said McClaskey. “It is the physical expression of who we are and where we are going — a place built to champion food and agriculture, inspire future leaders, strengthen competition and education, and bring people together around an industry that touches every life, every day. After more than a century of tradition,” she continued, “we are not simply preserving our legacy; we are building a stronger, more relevant, more impactful American Royal for generations to come.”

American Royal Board Chair Walt George noted that “Jackie will help insure that innovation abounds in our events, our educational initiatives, and in fulfilling our mission to convene food and agriculture thought leadership.” Board Chair-elect Lindsey Patterson Smith noted that “Jackie’s vision for the American Royal is dauntless, and her dedication has been integral to getting us to where we are today.”

Pat Macy has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Royal Association. Macy previously served as Managing Director, a role he assumed in January 2025, and brings more than a decade of deep involvement with the American Royal — first as a volunteer, then as a member of the Board of Directors, Board Executive Committee, and as Chair of the American Royal World Series of Barbecue®.

Prior to joining the American Royal staff, Macy held significant leadership roles at Cerner and Oracle, where he spent over a decade leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale system implementations for some of the nation’s most strategic healthcare organizations. They included the Mayo Clinic Health System, the University of South Alabama, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

His combination of enterprise leadership experience and long-standing commitment to the American Royal’s vision and mission positions him to guide the organization through this pivotal period of growth.

“I’m grateful to lead an organization with such a rich history in our community,” said Macy. “The American Royal is a part of the fabric of Kansas City, and I’m honored to be a part of building our next chapter. This year we’ll reinvest in the events and activities that have made us what we are, expanding our offerings as we open our new campus in KCK. I’m excited about the opportunity to scale and grow, to put on world-class, immersive experiences for our community, and to engage new audiences with the values central to our mission.”

“Pat has over ten years of leading American Royal initiatives and events — first as a dedicated volunteer and member of our Board, and most recently as our Managing Director,” said Board Chair Walt George. “His many skills and unwavering commitment to the vision and mission of the American Royal will bring the strong leadership we will need for the future.”

The American Royal is also pleased to welcome Jessica Marsh as its new Director of Events. Marsh brings more than 15 years of event production experience, having managed numerous events in her tenures at KCU and MTI Events. She is deeply connected across the Kansas City community, and her expertise and perspective have already proven to be a valuable addition to the team.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jessica Marsh to our leadership team as we grow our ability to put on world-class events and experiences,” said Macy. “Jessica’s depth of experience and her community connections make her exactly the right person to help us deliver on the promise of our new campus.”

“What excites us most about this leadership structure is the runway it creates,” said Chair-Elect Lindsey Patterson Smith. Chair Walt George concluded: “The work they will do together sets the stage for sustainable, meaningful growth and innovation. We couldn’t be more optimistic about what lies ahead.”

As construction progresses and the new barns take shape, the American Royal looks forward to opening its doors this fall — ready to deliver on its promise to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events, and engagement.

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About the American Royal Association

A Kansas City tradition since 1899, the American Royal is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events, and engagement. The American Royal provides opportunities for youth and adults from around the world to engage in high-quality events and experiences, including nationally competitive livestock shows, the world’s largest barbecue competition, regional and national equine shows, youth and professional rodeos, and elementary and secondary education outreach. Support from partners, members, and volunteers help the American Royal achieve its vision of a world where food and agriculture are celebrated, and all generations are committed to its future.

Media Contacts:
Allyssa King
Director of Communications, American Royal
[email protected]
913-244-1652

Jackie McClaskey
President and Chief Innovation Officer, American Royal
[email protected]
785-770-7735