A Lasting Legacy; Kellie Lombardi and the National Western Stock Show Volunteer Program

The Heart of the Stock Show: The Volunteer Program

Did you know nearly 1,000 volunteers make the National Western Stock Show possible? These dedicated individuals are the backbone of the event, ensuring that exhibitors, patrons, and guests experience the best the Stock Show has to offer. But this thriving program wasn’t always so strong. In the 1980s, it struggled to gain momentum—until a pivotal turning point in 1990 under the leadership of former Stock Show CEO Pat Grant. Since then, it has flourished under the continued guidance of former President and CEO, Paul Andrews. Now, with expanded facilities and a vision for the future, the goal is to reach 1,500 volunteers by 2025.

The Stock Show volunteer program is a year-round operation. Volunteers are often called upon to assist with events and shows from February to December. The year-round contributions provide an additional experience and a seamless transition to the high-level operation of the Stock Show each January. More than just an extra set of hands, volunteers play an essential role in creating a welcoming environment where urban and rural communities come together to celebrate agriculture. And at the heart of it all stands one remarkable woman: Kellie Lombardi.

Kellie’s Journey

Kellie Lombardi’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the volunteer program into what it is today. To those who know her, Kellie Lombardi is more than a leader—she’s a mentor, a prankster, and a fierce advocate for the volunteer program. According to her former boss, Pat Grant, and longtime volunteers John Hiemer and Donna Devine, her impact is immeasurable.

Kellie’s journey with the Stock Show began with an unexpected connection. In 1986, while working on a political campaign, she crossed paths with Pat Grant, who would later become CEO of the National Western Stock Show. Two years later, he recommended her to Ben Houston, the Stock Show CEO at the time. When Pat himself took the helm, Kellie became his assistant. But when she sought a better work-life balance to raise her family, Pat offered her a part-time role as Volunteer Coordinator in 1994. This decision would prove transformative for the show and program.

What sets Kellie apart isn’t just her leadership; it’s her ability to bring joy to the workplace. She has a knack for turning ordinary days into something special. Kellie herself noted her love for having fun in the workplace by recalling how she once put a ‘voice-activated’ sign on a copier and enjoyed watching as people attempted to use it all day. John Hiemer remembers countless pranks and inside jokes, while Donna Devine admires Kellie’s gift for easing tough situations with humor and grace.

Beyond the laughter, Donna, John, and Pat all emphasized Kellie’s extraordinary ability to connect with people on a personal level and remember keen details about them. Whether it was recalling a volunteer’s favorite task or their phone number, Kellie’s personal touch made every individual feel valued. As Pat Grant puts it, “She always believed strongly in the mission and the goal of helping create a great National Western Stock Show. She became the face of the volunteer program.”

Throughout her years with the program, Kellie has grown both personally and professionally. She credits the program for making her a better listener, growing her appreciation for agriculture, and fueling her passion for sharing its mission with others.

A Program Built on Dedication

The first face guests see when they arrive at the Stock Show are often those of the Stock Show volunteers—a testament to how vital they are to the experience. Yet, in the early days, the program initially struggled due to a lack of recognition for volunteers’ contributions. Chairman of the Board, Doug Jones, began his journey at Stock Show as a volunteer. As Grant puts it, “He wanted to get involved and I told him being a volunteer is a great way to learn the ropes, and he did.” In 2019, Jones was elected Chairman of the Board of the Western Stock Show Association and has been a key supporter of the volunteer program from his involvement in the early days to the present. Today, it thrives because of the dedication of leaders like Kellie, who worked tirelessly to foster a culture of appreciation and support. 

“Kellie built the program and worked hard to get the staff to embrace it,” says John Hiemer. However, in her humble manner, Kellie attributes the program’s success to the people around her, insisting that it was a team effort.

Under Pat Grant’s leadership, Kellie helped grow the volunteer numbers from zero to 500. Under Paul Andrews, that number has since doubled, with ambitious goals for future expansion. But Kellie’s legacy isn’t measured in numbers— it’s about the relationships she has nurtured and the positive impact she has had on so many lives.

A Lasting Legacy

Kellie Lombardi’s influence will be felt for generations to come. Volunteers like John Hiemer have seen their children and grandchildren join the program, a testament to the lasting community she has built. Her colleagues agree that Kellie’s legacy is one of warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Donna Devine sums it up best, “She’s left an imprint on multiple people’s lives through her smile and her compassion.”

After dedicating 35 years to the National Western Stock Show, Kellie retires as one of the organization’s longest-serving employees. Though she steps away from her official role, she plans to remain a part of the Stock Show family as a WSSA Member. Her impact, her passion, and her legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the volunteer program.

---