2024 Association Officers
Officers
Jim Neil - President
Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Jim Neil has been a part of the Battle Born state his entire life. “My family and I have all grown up in Northern Nevada. Our love of the outdoors, and Nevada’s rich history, has allowed us to build a lifestyle that takes advantage of all that it has to offer; skiing, hiking, trail riding, kayaking, biking, and of course, rodeo, are some of our favorites.”
A graduate of Earl Wooster High School, Jim attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Throughout college, he worked in the banking industry and remained there his entire career, primarily in commercial lending. However, he also worked in the cash management and project management sides of the business. Jim enjoyed helping Nevada businesses grow and succeed throughout Northern Nevada. Since retiring from banking in 2021, he has increasingly devoted his time to the Reno Rodeo.
Jim and his wife met in 1980 and have been married for 43 years. They have two daughters, who both live and work in Northern Nevada.
After being a lifelong Reno Rodeo fan, Jim decided to become involved with the association when his daughter entered the competition for Miss Reno Rodeo. Over the last 15 years, Jim has been active with the Arena, Team Sorting, and Finance Committees. During that time, he served as the assistant chair for team sorting for six years and finance for two years. He was elected treasurer in April 2019 and served for three years before successfully running for second vice president in the spring of 2022.
Jim’s significant efforts were recognized at the 2019 awards dinner when he was presented with the coveted Award of Merit buckle. After serving as second vice president for the 2023 rodeo year, and first vice president for the 2024 rodeo year, He is now serving as the rodeo’s president.
“My involvement in the rodeo has only deepened my appreciation for this region and has given me the opportunity to help promote our great western heritage.”
Mark Sutton- 1st Vice President
Mark Sutton’s initial experience serving with the Reno Rodeo came as a wrangler in 2007 with the Contestant Parking Committee. Originally from Michigan, Mark traveled with his daughter, Jessica, each summer to take part in the Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West. Fascinated with the dedication and the uncompromising can-do attitude of the Reno Rodeo volunteer base, Mark became an association member in 2009 and moved to Reno after his retirement in 2011. “People often ask me why I decided to retire in Reno, Nevada. I would have to say it was to be near my daughter and to be a bigger part of the Reno Rodeo.”
Sutton soon became immersed in the Reno Rodeo, serving on more than a dozen committees and chairing the Exhibit Hall, Museum, Magazine, and Manpower Committees over several years. Each of these committees had its own set of challenges and opportunities, but they all offered areas for continuous improvement, something that is a part of Mark’s mantra. In recent years, his experience on the Manpower Committee has allowed him to interact with every committee and the entire leadership team.
His service with the Reno Rodeo has been recognized over the years, as he was the recipient of the Award of Merit Buckle in 2014. He also received the coveted RR Silver Spurs in 2019 and was named Committeeman of the Year in 2022.
Before moving to Reno, Mark made his 33-year career with the General Motors Powertrain Division in numerous operations. Like his rodeo career, he served in multiple capacities at G.M. but credits most of his experience in manufacturing and global supply chain. “Much of my experience at G.M. has been transferable to different opportunities within the association,” he shared.
Mark was elected as second vice president in April of 2023 and took over as first vice president in August of 2024. He will serve as the Reno Rodeo President for the 2026 rodeo. Both he and his wife, Laura, are extremely enthusiastic about the coming years.
Debbie Sprague - Secretary
Debbie Sprague, originally from Alamosa, Colorado, moved to Reno with her family at the age of six. She is a graduate of Procter R. Hug High School and has trained with Rapport Leadership International, as well as the Paul Mitchell School of Beauty, to become a licensed cosmetologist.
Debbie has been with the Reno Rodeo Association since 1994, serving in multiple capacities. She has worked on over a half-dozen different committees and chaired the Buckles and Jewelry Committee from 2001 to 2015. She was elected a Reno Rodeo Director in 2008 and has served on the Executive Committee since 2012. In 2015, Debbie became the first RR female officer when she was elected as secretary. She has been very proudly reelected for another term in 2024, for two more years. In recognition of her many contributions, she won the Award of Merit Buckle in 2013.
Debbie has proudly raised three grown children and three grown grandchildren and is very proud of her extended family too.
Debbie claims that the past several years have been some of her most memorable times with the Reno Rodeo. “I’m busier than ever as secretary, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” As I sit here and remember the past thirty years… “I can still remember the day that I was sitting on my horse in the RR arena and Cotton Rosser was on horseback next to me in 2015… still a day I will never forget, one of my fondest, happiest memories,10 years later!”
She considers the opportunity to serve as the secretary as “priceless and glad to serve our community with such a great organization.” I have been blessed with hundreds of friends during the last 30 years, both here in Reno and on the rodeo road.
Blessings… Deb
Justin Thomsen - Treasurer
Justin Thomsen is much more than a friendly face. A proud fourth-generation Nevadan, Justin was born and raised in Minden, where he developed a strong work ethic and a drive for success from an early age.
His achievements began at just 16 years old. “I had been working since I was 14 and always had a job,” Justin recalled enthusiastically. “I was a bagger at Albertson’s grocery store and entered a national bagging competition. I flew to Boise, Idaho, to compete and ended up taking second place.” For his impressive performance, Justin won a bike—which he immediately gave to his mom, who needed one. To this day, he still bags his groceries, ensuring it is done correctly.
Growing up in a family of “construction guys,” Justin knew he wanted to carve his own path. “I’ve always been a computer nerd,” he admitted. “At one point, I wanted to be a programmer, but I thought that might be a little too nerdy.”
Recognizing his aptitude for computer technology, Justin attended The University of Nevada, Reno, after graduating from Douglas High School in 2001. “I was fortunate to earn a Millennium Scholarship, which allowed me to attend college virtually free,” he explained. By 2005, he had earned a dual degree in accounting and information systems and never looked back.
Justin began his professional career with Muckel Anderson, gaining experience in tax, audit, and IT services while still in college. In 2014, he took a leap of faith and founded his firm, Slate Accounting. Slate focuses on simplifying accounting so clients can focus on growing their businesses. “We aim to provide real value,” Justin said. “Dealing with finances and money is a personal and intimate responsibility. Our goal is to make people’s lives easier and give them peace of mind.”
Justin credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife and two kids. Their love, patience, and encouragement give him the motivation to keep pushing forward, reminding him of what truly matters and inspiring him to achieve more every day.
Executive Committee
Finance Committee
