HEAD JUDGE

Jodie Witt is a longtime Colorado resident from Mead, Colorado, and a lifelong advocate for horses, youth, and the Western way of life.

After a successful 28-year career with Marriott International, where she served as a General Manager with the Courtyard brand, Jodie retired, although retirement did not last long. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association, overseeing office administration, the Show and Performance Division, the Race Division, and serving as the association’s youth advisor.

Jodie retired from teaching riding and judging horse shows for more than 25 years. She teaches judges and Level Rater certification classes through the Colorado State University Extension 4-H program. Her judging experience includes more than 20 years as a carded judge with the Pony of the Americas Club.

Her commitment to the Colorado equine industry extends beyond the show arena. Jodie currently serves as a Commissioner with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Brand Inspection Division, representing the equine species, and serves on the Colorado State University Equine Advisory Board.

Jodie’s love of horses, combined with her passion for working with youth, has given her a deep appreciation for horsemanship, sportsmanship, leadership, and the important role rodeo queens play in representing and promoting the Western heritage and way of life. She has had the privilege of judging rodeo royalty pageants in several states, as well as for the National Little Britches Association. Jodie also serves on the Miss Rodeo America National Advisory Council and contributes to the Horsemanship and several other committees that help produce the Miss Rodeo America Pageant each year.

Mentoring and encouraging young women is especially meaningful to Jodie. She believes every young woman has potential, and that true success is built on confidence, integrity, character, and being authentic to who you are.  Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Jodie and her husband, Marv, enjoy traveling, attending cattle shows, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. She also enjoys showing her Quarter Horses in Ranch and cattle classes, combining her love of horses with the sport and competition that have been such an important part of her life.

Whether she is in the show arena, the boardroom, the classroom, or working with young women pursuing their dreams, Jodie’s passion is helping others grow, gain confidence, and become the very best version of themselves.

JUDGE # 2

Carla is an Arkansas farm wife, businesswoman, content creator, and proud Mimi of six.

She serves as Vice President of the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation and has a lifelong love for agriculture and the western way of life.

Carla and her husband, Doug, have been married for 30 years and enjoy life on their family farm. She is honored to serve as a judge and looks forward to meeting each contestant.

Judge # 3

Originally from Oklahoma, Jennifer Gomes now lives near Hutchinson, Kansas, with her husband, Mark, where they raise cattle, bucking horses and American Quarter Horses on their ranch.

Jennifer has a lifelong connection to the agricultural industry. She has competed in AQHA ranch versatility classes, worked for the National Cutting Horse Association and built a professional career that has included agricultural lending. While attending the University of Oklahoma, she also served as a marketing intern with the International Professional Rodeo Association, working alongside Miss Rodeo USA titleholders at media appearances and special events.

She enjoys developing and investing in others and proudly serves as a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. She is looking forward to meeting each contestant and seeing the next generation of women represent agriculture, rodeo and the western way of life.