<p>Tim Hawkins addresses the audience at the Pendleton Round-Up stockholder's meeting after being named as the new president of the Round-Up on Tuesday in Pendleton.</p>

When Heather Corey died last July, before finishing her term as the Pendleton Round-Up Associations first-ever female director, many wondered if the board would name another woman.

The answer came at last nights annual stockholder meeting at the Leter Buck Room.

Two men, Mike Ledbetter and Randy Bracher, will fill voids left by Corey and Dennis Hunt.

Director Randy Thomas said directors didnt feel pressure to replace Corey with another woman.

There was no discussion regarding gender, race or other predetermined characteristic, Thomas said. Heather Corey was elected to be a Pendleton Round-Up Director in 2010 because she was one of the most qualified and able candidates to serve.

He said four directors were elected that year, based on qualifications and abilities.

This years election also sought to identify individuals who would best serve the Round-Up, Thomas said.

Potential directors are nominated by current directors and selected by open ballot after an interview process.

Corey, 58, died from fibrosing mediastinitis, a condition possibly resulting from radiation treatment she received for Hodgkins lymphoma 29 years earlier. Coreys riderless horse accompanied the remaining directors during Septembers Westward Ho! Parade.

The associations newest directors are veteran Round-Up volunteers.

Bracher, a Pendleton wheat farmer, began sorting cattle under the grandstands 10 years ago. Later he served as split-man, who oversees the drawing of livestock for competitors and guarantees each animal is delivered to the appropriate cowboy.

Bracher, 35, said he believes there is more to rodeo than horses, bulls and cold beverages, such as the friendly nature of competition and rich Native American traditions.

I am very excited to be a part of such a great community event, Bracher said. Its important to keep the Round-Up a premier event.

Mike Ledbetters volunteerism included stints on the arena fence crew and in the Leter Buck Room. In another assignment, he blended experienced volunteers with new recruits to foster improvements in the system.

Ledbetter and his brother Lyle own and operate Ledbetter Refrigeration, a business started by their father.

During the meeting, stockholders, many sipping Pendleton Whisky, ratified the selection of Tim Hawkins as president.

His predecessor painted a rosy revenue picture of the 2012 Round-Up.

We continue to see the momentum created from our 100th anniversary celebration, Hunt said. That is apparent from our ticket sales, which for only the second time in Round-Up history topped $1 million.

Hunt said total payout to contestants totaled $486,000, an expense which helps attract top competitors.

If we are to remain a top tier rodeo, we need to continue to ensure that our purse remains at a level that brings the best cowboys in the world here, but at the same time continue to keep a tight rein on operating expenses, he said. If we can do that, the future looks solid for the Round-Up.

The association ended the year with a $305,074 increase in net assets. Royalties and trademarks from products branded with the Pendleton Round-Up logo (such as Pendleton Whisky) brought in $1,184,279, according to Mark Dickey of the Dickey & Tremper CPA firm.

The association dealt with two lawsuits during 2012.

The first, a property tax appeal, went all the way to Salem and awaits a decision from the tax magistrate.

The second, a trademark dispute with the Pendleton Woolen Mills, is in the discovery phase.

Near the end of the gathering, Hunt handed the associations reins to Hawkins.

Tim, its all yours, Hunt said.

Its truly a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Pendleton Round-Up, Hawkins told stockholders. The Pendleton Round-Up is one of, if not the, most prestigious rodeos in the world.

Contact Kathy Aney at kaney@eastoregonian.com or 541-966-0810.