Roger Walters was named the new commissioner of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association on Friday in Las Vegas.

Walters, who has been the College National Finals Rodeo production director since 2003, replaces John Smith at the end of the year. Smith, the NIRA commisioner since 2002, announced his retirement from the post at the CNFR this past summer.

"Roger will be a very good asset to the NIRA and to the CNFR," Smith said. "He's familiar to the board and to the contestants.

"He doesn't need me to give him a lot of advice."

An official announcement of Walters' hiring is expected today.

This year's CNFR in Casper will run from June 14-20.