ProRodeo Sports News - June 23, 2022

DIRECTOR’S CUT BECKY HILLIER

Hillier joins PRCA as Director of Communications

H ave you ever asked yourself who you are? Most likely you have. The answer initially may seem simple. For me, I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister and now, I’m the new Director of Communications &Media for the PRCA. By the way, it’s great to meet you! When we think about who we are, I’m not sure we give enough thought to the question before we answer, label ourselves and move on. A few years back, I found precious black and white photos of my beautiful mom in her early 20s. Donning a cowboy hat, boots, and an easy, confident smile, she was the epitome of a cowgirl. Raised on a ranch in Richland County, Mont., she herded cattle, chased chickens, cleaned barns, milked cows, and mended fences. One of nine children born in the country, she became acquainted with hard work as soon as she could walk. My dad was a handsome cowboy and a ranch kid as well, who was known to jump on the back of a horse from time to time at local rodeos. He loved country music, Black Velvet and sang and played the guitar just as well as Merle, Conway, and George. After they married, they moved toMiles City, Mont., where my siblings and I were born and raised. Miles City – the Cow Capital of the West – is the home of the World-Famous Bucking Horse Sale. For me though, my hometown is most famous for its people. People

like my folks, who worked hard, had firm handshakes, and looked you in the eye when they spoke. Honest, resilient people who have a fierce love for their families, their country, and their faith. I was not a ranch kid. I dragged main with my friends, played kickball, swam in the summer and ice skated in the winter. I played basketball from dusk ’til dawn in the driveway. The closest I came to being a cowgirl, was playing basketball for the Custer County Cowgirls. I did ride horses a few times - Shetland ponies and ornery sway-back mares count, right? As the years have passed though, I’ve thought more about who I am. Even though I was raised in the “city”, my parents instilled their Western values and sensibilities in me, something for which I am so thankful. It’s a connection you and I share and one that provides a sense of stability in a world that seems to be a bit sideways these days. To me, those who authentically live the Western lifestyle and its values, represent the very best of our America. It’s one of the reasons I was drawn to this job. The opportunity to help promote this way of life is a privilege. So, when I think of who I am, I ammy mother and father. I ammy hometown and the people in it. But most of all I am grateful to be here. I look forward to meeting you and along with my team, sharing your stories.

Becky Hillier is the Director of Communications &Media for the PRCA. She worked for more than two decades as a TV anchor South Dakota, and Wisconsin. She most recently was the station manager of KULR-8 Television in Billings, Mont. She is wife to Mitch and mom to Garret and McKenna. and reporter in Montana,

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