Q&A with The Cowboy’s Pat Fitzgerald

VeloCityOKC: You left Oklahoma for a portion of your career and returned a few years ago, and you have been involved in growing our state since returning. Why was that important to you now in this phase of your career?

Pat Fitzgerald: I love Oklahoma and am so proud of this state and my upbringing here and want to do everything I can to help promote and move Oklahoma forward. Moving into this role as President and CEO of The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is one of the most important things I have ever done in my career. I believe the values and vast stories of the West are more important than ever to share and pass down to generations to come. The museum being located in Oklahoma City is greatly important to me as I want the world to hear and see these tremendous stories, art, artifacts and cultural diversity that is the West and also is Oklahoma. 

What drew you to your position at The Cowboy?

I was drawn to this position at The Cowboy and its stories and values are very important to me, and I believe my past experiences can help enhance and showcase these values and stories here in Oklahoma through our Museum.

What is your vision for The Cowboy in 2023? What do you hope to accomplish in the short term and in the long term?

Our vision for 2023 is to build on what is and has always been here at The Cowboy…. the best art, artifacts and stories of The West. We are working to bring these stories to life by adding enhanced experiences, storytelling and education in every aspect of our spaces. This has already begun and will continue to evolve and grow. We will share and showcase more with the guests so that their experiences invoke intrigue, emotion and learning. We will start to work on enhanced technology to assist in this storytelling across our museum.

What excites you about the museum and Oklahoma City in general?

Oklahoma City has evolved to one of the best cities in the country. I am so proud of our leaders and visionaries here, past and present, and of Mayor Holt for everything that has been done for this evolution. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has and will play a big part in the excitement for OKC and Oklahoma. We have people travel from all over the world to visit us at The Cowboy, which allows us to showcase our Museum and OKC.    

What advice would you give to those just starting out in Oklahoma City who are looking to get involved and make an impact on our city and state?

Please come check out all the things that Oklahoma City has to offer. Get out and get involved in whatever your passion is as we have it here and your involvement will make a difference in making it even greater. Have fun along the way and bring others to see for themselves the tremendous world class entertainment opportunities that abound in our city, surrounding areas and state.