What's Happening?
Rick Baker, the president and CEO of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, has announced his retirement after a 38-year tenure with the organization. His retirement will be effective on April 30. Baker began his career with the Cotton Bowl as the director of marketing in 1988, later becoming the executive director in 1992, and eventually assuming the role of president and CEO in 2010. Under his leadership, the Cotton Bowl Foundation was established, which has since awarded over $4 million to nonprofit organizations in North Texas. Additionally, Baker played a key role in the development of the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame, which inducted its 14th class last year. The Cotton Bowl, first played in 1937, recently hosted its 90th game and will continue
to be a significant event in college football, with plans to host a College Football Playoff quarterfinal next season and a national semifinal in 2027.
Why It's Important?
Rick Baker's retirement marks the end of an era for the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, an organization that has seen significant growth and community impact under his leadership. The Cotton Bowl Foundation's contributions to local nonprofits highlight the event's role beyond sports, fostering community development in North Texas. Baker's efforts in establishing the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame have also helped preserve the history and legacy of this storied college football event. His departure will necessitate a leadership transition, with the organization already engaging Elevate Talent to conduct a global search for his successor. The new leadership will need to continue Baker's legacy of community engagement and ensure the Cotton Bowl remains a premier event in college football.
What's Next?
The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association is in the process of finding a successor for Rick Baker, with Elevate Talent leading the search. The new president will face the challenge of maintaining the Cotton Bowl's status as a key fixture in the College Football Playoff landscape. Additionally, they will need to continue the foundation's philanthropic efforts and possibly expand its reach within the community. The upcoming College Football Playoff quarterfinal and the national semifinal in 2027 will be significant events under the new leadership, providing opportunities to showcase the Cotton Bowl's continued relevance and impact.
