The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) announced in a press release that Jeff Robson, past CPRA general manager and Canadian Finals Rodeo team roping qualifier, would be returning to the position of GM of the association. Robson had worked informally with the association to secure a new Canadian Finals Rodeo contract, but the association says this new announcement will officially formalize his role with the association.

“Rodeo has been a huge part of my life,” Robson said in the CPRA press release. “I’m happy to be part of the CPRA staff as we move forward. I hope to provide clarity for the Board and work on a number of initiatives — from both a CFR and general CPRA standpoint.”

Robson was already working in an informal capacity for the association, and was instrumental in securing the new 10-year deal for the home of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, now set to be hosted in Red Deer at Westerner Park starting in October 2018. 

We sat down with Robson in January after the deal was formalized to have him explain the details of the CFR contract: 

CPRA president Terry Cooke says Robson is the right person for the job, highlighting his experience in rodeo as an asset to the position.

“Rodeo is unique — Jeff knows the language and brings a skilled perspective to the position,” Cooke said. “He did a good job in the past for the Association; we’re glad to have him back.”

“We’re excited to welcome Jeff. He has experience in this role and did an outstanding job for us as General Manager before,” said Randa Nugent, CPRA rodeo administrator, in the release. “Having him on board once again sends us in the right direction.”

Robson will now head the association that sanctions over 50 events annually, including co-sanctioning the bulk of those events with the PRCA. The association also has two finals: the Grass Roots Finals that takes place on Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, and the association’s pinnacle event, the Canadian Finals Rodeo.