Cindy’s connection to Cheyenne Frontier Days™ runs deep, with family roots in the celebration dating back to the early 1930s. Since beginning her own volunteer journey in 1982, Cindy has dedicated decades of service to CFD, contributing thousands of volunteer hours across numerous committees while helping pave the way for women in leadership roles.

Historic Milestones
1998: Contract Acts First Female Volunteer of the Year
2009: First female elected to the HEELS from the Rodeo Committee
2016: First female officer of the HEELS
2019: First female President of the HEELS

Cindy began her CFD involvement as a member of the Contract Acts Committee and was recognized as Contract Acts’ First Female Volunteer of the Year in 1998. Over the years, Cindy embraced a wide range of hands-on roles driven by her love of the arena and her commitment to safety and excellence. She opened gates for Chuck Wagon races, assisted with Junior Barrel Racing, and rode horseback to help rescue competitors when needed. Her skill, calm leadership, and dedication earned her a position on the Mounted Rescue Team, where she played a critical role clearing loose horses from the track during the Chuck Wagon races and assisting fellow teammates.

In 1998, when the Racing Committee transitioned into the Rodeo Committee, Cindy was appointed Junior Barrel Racing Crew Chief, a position she held with distinction until 2015. Each year following the final day of Junior Barrel Racing, she coordinated an awards presentation led by the Rodeo Chairman, ensuring every young competitor received a participation buckle and well-deserved recognition.

From 2016 to the present, Cindy has continued to make history as a member of the HEELs. She became the first woman elected as an officer, serving successively as Rundown HEEL (Secretary/Treasurer), Rubber HEEL (Vice President), and Leather HEEL (President). In 2019, Cindy was elected the first female President of the HEELs, leading the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic with steady leadership and vision.

During her tenure as Leather HEEL, Cindy oversaw workday projects supporting new HEELs classes and led impactful fundraising efforts. Under her leadership, the HEELs completed washing the east side grandstand during COVID and sold raffle tickets for a
limited-edition CFD belt buckle, raising $7,000 in donations benefiting the CFD Foundation for the Chris LeDoux bronze.

In 2021, Cindy was appointed Co-Director of the CFD Youth Volunteer Program. Under her leadership, the program grew from 11 youth participants to more than 70 and continues to expand, creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation to engage with Cheyenne Frontier Days™.

Today, Cindy, along with current Leather HEEL Craig Fitzkee, is working with the CFD Old West Museum to collect historic HEEL badges in order to create a future exhibit honoring the HEELs and their legacy.

Throughout her career, Cindy has volunteered with numerous CFD committees, including the CFD Golf Committee, Rodeo Steering Committee, RRR Committee, CFD Hall of Fame Steering Committee, Carriage Coordination Committee, and CFD Workdays Committee.

In addition to her volunteer service, Cindy brings her creative talents to CFD through the creation of custom cowboy boot handbags. Each year, she donates multiple purses to nonprofit organizations such as the CFD Crisis Fund and the CFD Old West Museum to help raise critical funds.

Cindy’s story is one of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication an enduring example of the spirit, tradition, and volunteer excellence that define
Cheyenne Frontier Days™.