The RANGE Taps Jacob Cates to Lead Organization into Next Chapter

The RANGE, the region’s hub for collaboration, research, and innovation, has named Jacob Cates as its new Executive Director while founding leader Matt Garner transitions to a board role. The move signals the next chapter in the organization’s growth and its commitment to shaping the future of the Panhandle.

Cates has been serving as Digital Initiatives Coordinator since December 2024 and quickly developed a passion for The RANGE’s mission and its role in positioning the Texas Panhandle for long-term prosperity. He brings experience in digital strategy and community engagement, having already helped connect the local industry with regional and national partners.

“I’m excited for the next season at the RANGE,” said Cates. “I’ve enjoyed working with the board of directors, we have a strong team, and we’ve had the blessing of great collaborative partners as we identify challenges and build solutions that make us all stronger. I’m ready to continue building partnerships that will drive our stakeholder-led innovation process and keep the Panhandle competitive for decades to come.”

Cates succeeds Matt Garner, Ph.D., who has led The RANGE from its inception and worked tirelessly to launch the organization on a solid footing.

“I truly believe in the mission of The RANGE and have enjoyed laying a firm foundation,” said Garner. “It’s been amazing to see how quickly Jacob has learned the details of our operations and the connections he’s built across the Panhandle. I know he will take what we’ve started and build on it in a way that will benefit everyone in the Panhandle.”

Garner will transition into a board role, where he will focus on research, grant writing, and cultivating long-term relationships with partners both locally and nationwide.

“While our mission is local, the partnerships we’ve been able to form span across the nation,” Garner added. “From work with organizations like Amarillo Area Foundation to building relationships with everyone from food producers such as National Sorghum Growers to broadband providers, we’re thinking big and pulling in experts from across the country to help us execute our mission.”

“Our mission is to cultivate sustainable economic prosperity in the Texas Panhandle by driving industry-led innovation in research and development,” noted Cates. “It’s a big mission that fits a big region, and one we know we can’t achieve alone. I’m grateful for Matt’s work up to this point, and I'm glad that he is still available as a board member and active volunteer, helping lead The RANGE as we continue shaping the future of the Panhandle’s economy.”