After more than two decades in the saddle as chairman of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Ed Bass is stepping down. Philip Williamson, a member of the board since 2000, was elected chairman at the board’s meeting April 23.
But Bass is not riding off into the sunset. He was elected chairman emeritus at the meeting.
Williamson spent 35 years at Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. LLC, parent company of Dickies. He currently serves in an advisory role to Dickies, after serving as chairman, president and CEO from January 1997 until October 2017, at which time the company was acquired by VF Corp.
Bass, 78, was elected chairman of the stock show’s board of directors in 2001, following the death of John Justin, who had served since 1983. During Bass’ chairmanship, the stock show expanded its schedule to 23 days, Dickies Arena opened and added the Cowboys of Color Rodeo to the lineup. Bass spearheaded development of Dickies Arena, built for $540 million in public and private funds, with the public contribution capped at $225 million.
“There has been no better leader with his imagination, his creativity than Ed,” said Dennis Shingleton, who served for 10 years as the District 7 council member until 2021 and worked with Bass to get the bonds for Dickies Arena passed.
“Ed is a man of vision and leadership and has the intelligence to surround himself with people like Bob Watt, Brad Barnes and Matt Carter who can bring that vision to fruition. We, the city I mean, owe Ed Bass a debt of gratitude beyond measure. ”
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo contributes millions to the local economy. In one estimate by the firm PredictHQ, it was ranked No. 3 nationwide among events with the largest economic impact in February 2023, generating more than $142 million. The biggest impact was on local restaurants and hotels, according to the study.
Williamson was a member of the board of directors of Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. from August 2019 to 2024 and is a past chairman of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. In 2000, Williamson joined the board of directors of the stock show and was elected to the executive committee in 2013. He was named a vice president of the organization in 2023.
Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org