The International Board of Directors for the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association convened on December 2, 2023. During this meeting, the Executive Committee for the upcoming year was elected seamlessly, as the slate presented by the Nominating Committee received unanimous approval.
Those elected for two-year terms include:
- President: Amanda Wright (TN)
- Senior Vice-President: David Williams (TN)
- Administrative/Fiscal/Audit Vice-President: Kasey Kesselring (TN)
- Marketing & Communications Vice-President: Dale Daniels (AR)
- International Vice-President: Denise Bader (Germany)
- Trainers Vice-President: Dee Cantrell (AL)

The following members will continue their one-year term on the Executive Committee:
- Advocacy Vice-President: Bill Stricklend (AL)
- Bylaws & Enforcement Vice-President: Tom Kakassy (SC)
- Membership & Registry Vice-President: David Sisk (TN)
- Show Horse Vice-President: Lance Meisenheimer (IL)
- Versatility & Trail Vice-President: Lyn Montgomery (CA)
- Youth Vice-President: Chris Hazelwood (TN)

Kasey Kesselring, also elected as Administrative/Fiscal/Audit Vice-President, assumed the additional role of Secretary for the Executive Committee, building on his existing service in that capacity. Throughout the two-day meeting, the Vice-Presidents provided updates on the progress achieved over the past year.
Outgoing President Jack Heffington introduced each executive committee member, showcasing their respective reports and emphasizing the accomplishments during his three-year tenure. Senior Vice-President Amanda Wright outlined a new strategic plan with four key objectives, including advancements in the Registry, heightened promotion efforts, impactful advocacy led by Bill Stricklend, and a commitment to leadership within the industry. These objectives aim to propel the Tennessee Walking Horse forward beyond traditional show ring performances.
The advocacy focus addressed ongoing regulatory considerations, particularly the USDA’s proposed rule that could impact the show horse industry. Stricklend stressed the importance of proactive engagement and highlighted TWHBEA’s commitment to advocating for the protection of show horses, notably filing a comment in opposition to the proposed rule.
Financially, TWHBEA remains robust, with a balanced sheet reflecting total assets exceeding $2 million. Positive net income from January to October 2023 surpassed budget expectations by $102,500. Noteworthy initiatives, such as the Legacy Circle, further demonstrate the association’s commitment to recognizing members’ contributions.
In new business, the International Board approved fee adjustments, including a name change fee increase to $150 and a lease fee adjustment to $250. A novel one-time fee of $500 was introduced for reserving prefixes or suffixes for naming purposes. Additionally, plans for a 2024 exhibitor card program were approved to generate funds for the legal fund.
The meeting concluded with a forward-looking approach, positioning TWHBEA as a leader in the industry through strategic staff additions, financial prudence, and innovative programs aimed at sustaining the association’s impact.