The American Royal Announces Executive Leadership Changes

Posted March 11, 2026

The American Royal Association has announced key organizational changes as its construction efforts for its new Wyandotte County headquarters are still underway.

The new American Royal campus could be completed by 2027 or early 2028.

In December, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County & Kansas City approved a $155 million STAR bond for the American Royal development near Kansas Speedway. The revised plan called for the first round of bonds to be used to restart work on the American Royal exhibition hall, with the estimated project completion within 18 months. The American Royal broke ground on its new campus in March 2023.

Ahead of the arrival of its new campus, the organization announced a leadership change. Jackie McClaskey will assume the dual role of President and Chief Innovation Officer, according to a release. McClaskey previously held the dual title of president and chief executive officer; she is keeping the president title moving forward.

McClaskey’s will now oversee the design-build team, spearheading capital campaign fundraising and public financing strategies as well as forming partnerships.

The American Royal president and chief innovation officer, Jackie McClaskey. Photo credit: The American Royal.

Assuming the role of CEO is Pat Macy, who has been with American Royal for more than a year. He joined the company serving in a managing director role. Prior to joining the American Royal, Macy held leadership roles at Oracle and Cerner, serving as the director of population health consulting and an engagement executive, respectively.

The American Royal chief executive officer, Pat Macy. Photo credit: The American Royal.

“The American Royal is a part of the fabric of Kansas City, and I’m honored to be a part of building our next chapter,” Macy said in the release. “This year we’ll reinvest in the events and activities that have made us what we are, expanding our offerings as we open our new campus in KCK.”

In his career, he has worked in collaborations and partnerships with large health organizations, including Mayo Clinic Health System, the University of South Alabama and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The American Royal also named Jessica Marsh as its new director of events. Marsh brings more than 15 years of event production experience, having managed numerous events in her tenures at KCU and MTI Events.

“Jessica’s depth of experience and her community connections make her exactly the right person to help us deliver on the promise of our new campus,” Marcy said in the release.