Miss Rodeo New York Rodeo Board of Directors
National Director
Lisa Avery Burdick has been immersed in the equine industry since before she was born, making horsemanship not just her profession, but her lifelong passion. At Avery-Burdick Stables, she serves as both a dedicated riding instructor and accomplished horse trainer, embracing and teaching a wide range of disciplines with a commitment to excellence, respect, and partnership between horse and rider.
As the National Director of MRNY, Lisa exemplifies the core values of Miss Rodeo America—leadership, authenticity, education, and service. She brings a genuine passion for mentoring individuals of all ages, inspiring confidence, integrity, and a strong work ethic in every participant she guides. Her ability to connect and cultivate personal growth has made her an invaluable force behind the program’s continued success.
Through her leadership, Lisa not only advances horsemanship skills but also empowers the our ambassadors to represent the western lifestyle with professionalism, poise, and purpose.
Social Media and Sponsorship Director
Ericka Vrooman serves as the Social Media and Sponsorship Director for Miss Rodeo New York, bringing a dynamic blend of industry experience, agricultural advocacy, and ambassadorial excellence.
A former Miss Rodeo New York 2022, Ericka has firsthand experience representing the state and the sport of rodeo on a national stage. During her reign, she traveled extensively promoting rodeo, agriculture, and the western way of life, while developing strong skills in public relations, brand representation, and community engagement.
Raised in Pulaski, NY, Ericka’s roots run deep in agriculture. She has been actively involved from a young age through 4-H and livestock showing, and has continued her commitment to agriculture through leadership roles such as serving with the Oswego County Farm Bureau and Young Farmers & Ranchers, where she helped advocate for and connect the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Ericka has a background in veterinary services and her hands-on expertise and passion for animal welfare complement her dedication to the agricultural and western industries.
In her role with Miss Rodeo New York, Ericka leverages her experience as a former titleholder and her strong communication skills to elevate the organization’s presence through strategic social media engagement and meaningful sponsorship partnerships. She is passionate about telling the story of rodeo, amplifying the voices of its ambassadors, and building relationships that support the of the program.
Ericka remains committed to preserving western heritage while helping to modernize how it is shared—ensuring that the values of agriculture, horsemanship, and leadership continue to inspire future generations.
Pageant Coordinator
Cynthia “Cindy” Scarborough serves as the Pageant Coordinator for Miss Rodeo New York, bringing a deep-rooted passion for rodeo, community involvement, and western heritage to the organization.
A dedicated supporter of the sport, Cindy has long been involved in the rodeo community, including her work with the historic Gerry Rodeo, one of the longest-running PRCA rodeos east of the Mississippi. Her connection to western heritage extends beyond event participation—she is entrusted as the custodian of a historic 1880s stagecoach replica, a meaningful piece of rodeo and Wild West history that she proudly helps preserve and share with the public.
Cindy’s commitment to preserving tradition is matched by her dedication to fostering the future of the sport. As Pageant Coordinator, she plays a vital role in organizing and executing the Miss Rodeo New York pageant experience, ensuring that each contestant is supported, prepared, and positioned for success. Her attention to detail, organizational leadership, and passion for the program help create an environment where contestants can grow into confident ambassadors.
In addition to her pageant leadership, Cindy is an active member of the Miss Rodeo New York organization and regularly represents the program at events throughout the region, helping strengthen connections and promote its enduring values.
Cindy is deeply committed to honoring the traditions of rodeo while helping shape the next generation of titleholders. Through her leadership, she ensures the pageant experience reflects not only excellence and professionalism, but also the spirit, history, and community that define the western way of life.
Queen Coordinator
Jillian (Jill) Mallber serves as the Queen Coordinator for Miss Rodeo New York, where she brings a deep-rooted passion for agriculture to the organization.
Raised in a agricultural background, Jillian has been actively involved in the dairy industry and playing an important role in promoting the value of agriculture within her community. She is engaged in outreach and advocacy efforts that highligh the importance of the industry.
Jillian’s journey began early serving as a Delaware County Dairy Princess, where she was representing local agriculture at events, fairs, and community programs.
In addition to her agricultural involvement, Jillian has a background in equestrian competition and team participation, including competing as part of an intercollegiate equestrian program at SUNY Cobleskill.
As Queen Coordinator, Jillian is dedicated to supporting and mentoring Miss Rodeo New York titleholders throughout their year of service. She works closely with ambassadors to help them navigate the responsibilities of representing both rodeo and agriculture.
Jillian is passionate about her agricultural heritage, and elevating the role of rodeo queens as strong, capable ambassadors for the western way of life.
Sweetheart Coordinator
Melinda Butler is the Sweetheart Coordinator for Miss Rodeo New York, where she brings a passion for mentorship, education, and the western lifestyle to the organization.
With a background in education, Melinda has dedicated her career to shaping and supporting young minds as a school teacher. Her experience in the classroom has equipped her with the skills to guide, encourage, and inspire youth during formative years of growth and development.
Melinda’s connection to the western lifestyle is rooted in her appreciation for the values it represents—hard work, respect, and community. She is an active supporter of rodeo and western events and participation in broader western culture initiatives that celebrate and elevate women in the industry.
In her role as Sweetheart Coordinator, Melinda plays an integral part in developing the youngest ambassadors within the Miss Rodeo New York program. She is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment where Sweetheart participants can build confidence, learn horsemanship values, and begin developing the communication and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Melinda’s approach is rooted in encouragement, patience, and a genuine desire to see each young participant succeed. She is passionate about helping the next generation embrace the traditions of rodeo while growing into confident, capable individuals who will carry forward the legacy of the western way of life.
Secretary
Jodi Brayman serves as Secretary for Miss Rodeo New York, where she supports the organization through strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
With a natural strength in coordination and communication, Jodi ensures the smooth operation of activities by supporting the planning and logistics of our events, and effective messaging for the organization.
Jodi’s passion for the western lifestyle and community involvement is reflected in her support of the Miss Rodeo New York program and its ambassadors. She values the importance of preserving rodeo heritage while contributing to an environment where young women can grow into confident leaders and representatives of the sport.
In her role, Jodi is committed to upholding the professionalism and integrity of the organization, ensuring that both tradition and progress are supported behind the scenes. Her work plays an essential part in advancing the mission of Miss Rodeo New York—celebrating heritage, empowering women, and shaping future leaders.