NEWS

The Board of Directors of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) announced today that Bill Whitley has been named as the Executive Director of ASHA.

Bill is well known and highly regarded in the American Saddlebred industry.  His early years were spent on horse farms, training American Saddlebreds and other breeds and their riders for the show ring.  Bill had a 33-year career with the North Carolina State Treasurer’s Office, where he managed a team of 10 employees and a $68 billion portfolio of investments.  After his retirement, he became more active with his first love – the equestrian industry.  He has been selected as Horse World’s People’s Choice Ringmaster for the past 16 years based on his quick attention to detail, knowledge of the rules, and desire to maintain safety in the show ring.  He also serves as show manager for the North Carolina State Championship Charity Horse Show.  Bill was previously an active member of the ASHA Board of Directors, serving as Treasurer and also chairing the ASHA’s Finance and Human Resources Committees.  He is also active in various USEF and UPHA Committees.   

“Bill Whitley is the ideal person to move the ASHA into the future,” said ASHA President Tandy Patrick. “In this exciting time of new ideas, new directions and exciting initiatives at ASHA, Bill’s unique combination of skills and experience coupled with his passion for and knowledge of the American Saddlebred industry makes him uniquely qualified to serve as the new Executive Director of the ASHA.”

The Boards of both the ASHA and the American Saddlebred Registry look forward to meeting with Bill during the upcoming board meetings on October 27 and 28 in Lexington, which will feature special presentations on marketing/promotional initiatives, technology upgrades and the new ASHA Website to be unveiled next year, and strategic planning for the future.