DENVER — The National Western Stock Show has announced former Wyoming Gov. Matthew Mead as the 2023 Citizen of the West.
Selected by a committee of community leaders, the annual award recognizes those who embody Western pioneers' spirit and determination and perpetuate their agricultural heritage and ideals.
Born in Jackson, Wyo., Mead was raised on a ranch in Teton County before he served as U.S. attorney for the District of Wyoming and two terms as governor of Wyoming.
"As the Governor of Wyoming and United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Mead has dedicated his service to representing his constituents, defending the law, managing business and protecting residents' rights throughout the Rocky Mountain Region," said a news release from the National Western Stock Show.
Mead's family has a long history of serving in government. His grandfather, Cliff Hansen, was Wyoming governor, a U.S. senator and the National Western Stock Show 1996 Citizen of the West recipient.
Mead will be honored as the 44th Citizen of the West during the annual award dinner on Monday, Jan. 9.
Each year, proceeds from the Citizens of the West event support 100 scholarships in the National Western Scholarship Trust, which are awarded to students who attend colleges and universities in Colorado and Wyoming and major in agricultural science, rural medicine or veterinary medicine.
To purchase tickets for the 2023 Citizen of the West event, contact Ashley Fischietto at 303-299-5560 or afischietto@nationalwestern.com.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: National Western Stock Show
National Western Stock Show and Rodeo
9NEWS+
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.