The Salinas Sports Complex, home of the California Rodeo Salinas, has a new general manager. Ryan Cook of Newport Beach, CA will relocate to Salinas to take over duties as the general manager of the sports and events facility. Cook is replacing Jim Slaten, one of the California Rodeo’s Past Presidents, who has served in the role for 7 years. Slaten’s retirement announcement this past October sparked a nationwide search for a person to fill the position of managing the 80-acre grounds that host events like high school sporting games and practices, weddings, quinceneras, concerts and more community events throughout the year.
“I am joining a team of wonderful family-oriented people who deeply care about Salinas and greater Monterey County and regional communities. I have been given the opportunity to carry the torch and tell the story of over 113 years of California history. Our staff’s annual focus will be developing and producing safe, family-friendly, and affordable sports, social, and entertainment events, and continuing the California Rodeo history and civic pride lead by its leadership and 1400+ volunteer members,” said Cook.
Cook has extensive experience in sports management in both the professional and amateur space. Most recently, Cook served as the head of University Advancement efforts for the athletic departments at California State University, Long Beach; California State University, San Bernardino; Cleveland State University; and Seattle University. As part of the senior staff, he led and oversaw all revenue channels, including philanthropic giving, sponsorships, ticket sales, food and beverage, merchandising, facilities, marketing and fan experience, communications including broadcasting, parking, and events.
In professional sports, Cook worked as a sports agent for the action sports firm, Sports Syndicate. The firm was best known for representing motocross and supercross racer Ryan Villopoto, snowboarder Mark McMorris, and surfers Gabriel Medina and Coco Ho. In the NBA, Cook held front office positions for the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Hornets, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Ryan worked in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Angels and in minor league baseball with the High Desert Mavericks, the Class A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, followed by the Texas Rangers. During his stint as General Manager and Vice President of the Mavericks, Cook secured multiple naming rights agreements and corporate partnerships. He also produced several six-figure revenue-generating events outside of baseball, such as the Adelanto Grand Prix, California Fight League, and MX Rock Festival. In Cook’s first year as GM, the Mavericks had the best increase in attendance of any team in minor league baseball, and Cook was nominated as the 2014 California League Executive of the Year.
Cook himself was an All-American NCAA student-athlete who competed in the sport of water polo for the University of Southern California and trained with the United States National Team. He grew up in Southern California and worked for the City of Newport Beach Fire Department as a beach lifeguard for 24 years. Cook has a passion for youth sports, animals, and the beach.
About California Rodeo Salinas
The California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 20-23, 2023. The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year-round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donation of our facility, vending and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association returns over $530,000 annually to local non-profits. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775.3100. ‘Like’ the California Rodeo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CARodeoSalinas or follow us on twitter @CaliforniaRodeo for updates, photos and more.