The American Quarter Horse Association announced today that executive director of racing Gary Carpenter will take over as executive director of the American Quarter Horse Foundation. Carpenter’s move becomes effective November 15.
Carpenter, was hired in May 2002 as the Foundation’s executive director. In March 2003, he moved to the Association as executive director of racing. Under his guidance, the racing department has focused on increasing ownership of and opportunities for racing American Quarter Horses. Additionally, he played a vital role in growing AQHA’s partnership with other national racing organizations.
“Gary has proven himself as a valuable part of the AQHA team,” said AQHA President Frank “Scoop” Vessels III. “When he first joined us, he made an immediate impact on the Foundation’s direction. Following that, he took racing to a new level, and I know I speak on behalf of the entire Executive Committee in saying how please we are that he will be rejoining the Foundation to help us accomplish some very lofty goals in the areas of fundraising and Heritage Center and Hall of Fame renovations.”
In June, AQHA’s Executive Committee finalized a strategic plan for the Association and Foundation. Specifically, part of that plan was designed to ensure that the Foundation is properly funded, that new projects have industry input and that particular emphasis be given to creating a bona-fide American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame within the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum.
“Gary will play a vital role in the Foundation’s activities, as well as the Hall of Fame creation,” said Vessels. “Gary is the ideal person to guide these projects. With his knowledge of fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning combined with his vision, he has the assets the Foundation needs during this growth period.”
Last year, the Foundation retained Ketchum, America's oldest and most successful fund-raising firm, which has helped raise more than $13 billion for not-for-profit organizations, to assist in its fund-raising activities. Additionally, the Foundation hired Catherine “Kit” O’Connor as Senior Director of Development to spearhead an aggressive capital campaign.
“This is an exciting time for AQHF, and I believe we will see the Foundation’s role in the American Quarter Horse industry change and grow,” Carpenter said. “I love horse racing and will always be a fan. I’m equally as excited about the opportunities at the Foundation.”
Carpenter also will direct AQHF’s educational initiatives, outreach programs, scholarships, equine research projects and day-to-day operations of the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum.
The American Quarter Horse Foundation was founded in 1975 as the charitable and benevolent organization of AQHA and through contributions and gifts provides scholarships for AQHA and AQHYA Members, implements educational outreach programs, provides funds for dozens of equine research projects and operates the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum in Amarillo.
Carpenter is a native of San Angelo, Texas, and grew up in Quanah, Texas. He was executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club and Executive Director of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
During his two-year stint with TJC, Carpenter worked on implementing that organization’s DNA parentage verification process, streamlining the registration process and enhancing relationships within the industry and with other TJC owned companies. With AAEP, Carpenter increased educational programs and opportunities for the 6,500-plus membership organization, established AAEP’s foundation and vastly increased AAEP’s visibility and contributions within the equine industry. Under Carpenter’s leadership, AAEP’s On-Call Program was developed and now provides trained veterinary spokespersons at more than 100 shows and races each year, including The Breeders Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, AQHA World Championship Show and MBNA America Challenge Championships. Carpenter was recognized by AAEP in 2000 with its Stubbs Award for exemplary service to the veterinary industry by a non-veterinarian.
A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Agriculture Industries Management, Carpenter and his wife Marian have four daughters Rachel, Abby, Blair and Emily and one granddaughter Jillian.
For more information on AQHA or AQHF, visit www.aqha.com or call 806-376-4888, ext. 359.
