After 15 years as executive director of the Oakdale Cowboy Museum, Christie Camarillo has announced she will be leaving the position effective July 31.

“For the past 15 years I’ve enjoyed coming to a place I never really considered a job; sharing our unique western history and telling the stories of our countless rodeo cowboy champions and hall of famers has been my passion,” Camarillo said on Thursday, July 30.  “It’s time for a change and I am proud of all that has been accomplished.”

Camarillo noted that the museum has grown from a small volunteer-based entity to a successful, respected and self-sufficient community business that has been honored locally as well as nationally.

She credited her staff and the dedicated volunteers in that accomplishment.

“I’ve enjoyed the strong relationships that have been established and the opportunities to forge long lasting friendships with our many supporters,” Camaillo said.

Camarillo said the decision didn’t come easy but felt she was ready for a change with new challenges.

Camarillo said she plans on remaining active in the community and continuing her work with the Rodeo Historical Society that’s associated with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Earlier this year, Camarillo was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce. Camarillo was recognized for her efforts to promote Oakdale tourism and sharing Oakdale’s rodeo and ranching history with the museum’s visitors, and various outreach programs. She also serves as the president of the Rodeo Historical Society that’s associated with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.