Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO to Step Down in 2027
Longtime leader Tom Hirsig will conclude his tenure as CEO following the 2027 Cheyenne Frontier Days event.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Rodeo
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Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig plans to step down from his leadership position after the conclusion of the 2027 event. The organization's board of directors has initiated a formal process to find his successor.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant leadership change for the historic rodeo organization in Cheyenne. The board is taking steps to ensure a smooth transition by beginning the search for a new executive well in advance.
The transition involves one outgoing CEO and a planned national search for a single replacement candidate. The board is currently in the early stages of retaining an external firm to manage the recruitment process.
The players
Tom Hirsig
He serves as the CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days and will remain in the role through the 2027 event.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
It is a prominent annual rodeo and western celebration based in Cheyenne.
The details
The board of directors is conducting a comprehensive national search to identify candidates for the top role. They intend to use an external executive search firm to assist in finding a replacement who can manage the large-scale annual event.
Timeline
Tom Hirsig concludes his tenure as CEO in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The search for a new leader at Cheyenne Frontier Days follows a pattern set by other major western cultural organizations undergoing executive succession. This planned transition aims to ensure institutional stability for the long-running annual rodeo event.
The transition ensures that the current leadership will remain in place for the next several annual events, providing continuity for upcoming festival planning. Local residents and stakeholders can expect further updates as the board provides details on the recruitment process.
The takeaway
Planning for leadership transitions well in advance is a standard best practice for large-scale public event organizers. Supporters of the event can expect a multi-year recruitment cycle leading up to the 2027 hand-off.
What happens next
The board will share additional information regarding the executive search process as it becomes available.
Further reading
For more background on regional events, visit the Rodeo section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wyoming Tribune Eagle.
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