Board Candidates 2024

This Fall TWHBEA members will elect 17 individuals to serve three-year terms and 3 to fill vacancies on the International Board of Directors beginning next year. As directed by the TWHBEA By-Laws, the Executive Committee confirmed the positions of directors from states and aligned regions for the coming election. There are a total of 20 seats to fill from the following states and regions: 

to elect (1) director for a full term 

CANDIDATES:

William (Bill) Stricklend 

to elect (1) director for a full term 

CANDIDATES:

Ethlyn (Lyn) Montgomery

to elect (1) director for a full term 

CANDIDATES:

Jodi DeDecker

Dee Hasler

Lance Meisenheimer 

to elect (3) directors for full terms 

CANDIDATES:

Kim Bennett 

Joe Fraley 

Melanie Lawrence 

Smiths Grove, KY

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: Since 1976 (28 years)

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: Breeder, owner, and former exhibitor

Q: What is your occupation?
A: Executive Director of Operation PRIDE, Inc. a beautification and economic development non-profit organization.

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in government, with a minor in equine sciences, and a Master of Science degree in City and Regional Planning with an emphasis in economic development and affordable housing. While I do not currently have any horses in training or in the show ring, I have been blessed to own several great horses through the years. The most notable are WC Major’s Tinkerbelle and I co-owned Batman JC (formerly El Nino’s Dark Knight). I own several old, retired show horses as well has several broodmares. My mares include the only full sister to Batman and a Lined With Cash mare who is a 15/16th sister to the mother of Justified Honors. Both will be bred to Honors this fall. I have also donated several well bred horses to local 4-H members who have gone on to win numerous awards. I am the former Marketing Vice President on the Executive Committee for TWHBEA. I grew up as a barn rat in several of the top southern Kentucky barns and learned so much from the legendary trainers and owners through the years. I support all aspects of the industry and will attend all Board Meetings. I hope to donate my time and expertise, in all aspects of the industry, to TWHBEA and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. I would appreciate your vote and promise to strongly support our industry. 

Leslie Perry-Collins 

Jerry Sizemore

Bimble, KY

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: I have owned horses practically all of my life but found the TWH in 1996. I have owned registered TWHs since that time and have enjoyed everything about the TWH and our industry. My wife and I even met because of a TWH and we attended the Celebration on our honeymoon.

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: I have been involved as an owner, breeder, and exhibitor for over 20 years. For most of that time I trained my own horses, in both pleasure and performance divisions.

Q: What is your occupation?
A: Managing Director for Transamerica Agency Network, my team and I specialize in helping families and small businesses with life insurance planning. 

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: I believe there is great value in the versatility of the TWH. Each division has its place and our goal as caretakers of this great breed should be lining up each individual horse with the division that best suits them. If it can be done with a horse, why not do it with a TWH. I have made great memories and had a lot of fun riding my pleasure horses down the trail just the same as I have riding both my pleasure and performance show horses around the ring. Each division brings a different type of excitement and that is why they all are important. Now, as a father of four, I want my children to be able to enjoy all our breed has to offer for generations to come. My hope is that they too will be able to build memories and life experiences that involve all divisions of the TWH. 

Dale Steinmetz 

to elect (1) director for one year to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Gerald Pease 

CANDIDATES: None

to elect (1) director for a full term 

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES: 

Barber, Kayla Victoria - Columbiaville, MI
Boring, Phillip J - Northville, MI
Branam, Carol A. - Grand Blanc, MI
Brooks, Ken - Saranac, MI
Coons, Chrys J. - Dryden, MI
DeWitt, Julie L. - Lapeer, MI
Dove, Bryan S. - DeWitt, MI
Emerton, Julie - Metamora MI
Freshcorn, Brenda - Cement City, MI
Knowles, Lynn - Kimball, MI
Kunzelman, Leah - Grass Lak,e MI
Maxfield, Amy Beth - Clyde, MI
Middaugh, Amy M - Traverse City, MI
Moody, Kristen Ann - Millington, MI
Nagel, John Richard - Pentwater, MI
Nickell, Barbara - Milan, MI
Noel, Janice Sue - Monroe, MI
Pitsch, Amanda J. - Ada, MI
Sawicki, Melissa Faye - Albion, MI
 Simmons, Kristina Sue - DeWitt, MI
Smith, Mackenzie E. - Ypsilanti, MI
Smith, Vernonell - White Hall, MI
Temple, Hannah - Otsego, MI
Tomkinson, Denise Tasca - Oxford, MI
Voelker, Diane - Vermontville, MI
Wiegand, Michelle - Cadillac, MI

Jason Bachert

Wildwood, MO

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: I am a second generation TWH enthusiast. 50 plus years.

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: I have been involved as a breeder, exhibitor, and owner. In addition, I have served as a director for Mo in the past for TWHBEA as well as serving on the BOD.

Q: What is your occupation?
A: I am Senior Vice President of Sales for Compana Pet Brands. Formally Manna Pro

to elect (1) director for a full term 

CANDIDATES: 

Thomas Kakassy 

to elect (6) directors for full terms

CANDIDATES: 

Carrie Benedict

Mack Dekle

Linda Garrard

Over the 30 years I have been a member of TWHBEA, I have served on several projects and committees during that time. One such project was working to develop an HIO for our industry in the mid 2000s. I served on the Nashville Horse Show committee and chaired the show my last year in Nashville.

 My husband and I have enjoyed showing and breeding our wonderful horse at our Walnut Ridge Farm. We were fortunate to raise a World Champion Park Pleasure horse named King Dollar. We enjoyed both our pleasure horses and our performance horses. From trail riding to show riding, horses are what brought Cliff and I together.

We have enjoyed showing many TWH in our show days together. Some of these include Ebony’s Smokin’ Sun(RWC), Gold Picture(RWC), and  The American Choice(RWC, WC). Currently, I am showing Sadie Hawkins and Dixie White Socks(RWC). In addition, it has been a blessing to be breeding our world champion mare, Red Sparrow.

Most of my professional life has been in business and I have co-founded several businesses in the areas of business brokerage, financial consulting, real estate and healthcare. In my retirement, I co-founded a Masters in Business Administration(MBA) program and taught Strategy and Finance. My last business venture was co- founding the Entrepreneur Development Center in West Tennessee to promote the entrepreneurship initiative that Governor Haslam had for Tennessee.

Through out  my career, I have always made time for horses because they were the one thing that would make me get away from working all the time! Horses have been a life-long passion. Our horse is the most wonderful horse I have ever known. I care deeply about them and their future in our world today. TWHBEA offers a way to help insure that our Tennessee Walking Horses always have a place in this world.

Hopefully, I can use my business skills coupled with my love and knowledge of our horses/industry to work with TWHBEA making sure our horses have the place they deserve in our world today. It is my hope that we can work with all our industry organizations on ways that will make our industry stronger, better, unified and one that always puts our horse first in every thing we do. I welcome this opportunity to serve our horses and you by doing these things through TWHBEA and I would be honored to have your vote.

Thank you.

Dr. Linda Garrard

William (Ty) Irby

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: 61 years

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: Breeder, owner, exhibitor, & retired judge.

Q: What is your occupation?
A: Realtor

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: My father was a veterinarian & I was raised with breeding & showing multiple breeds of horses, including TN Walking Horses. I have been showing TWHs for 61 years since the age of 10. I have served on The TWHBEA Board in the past for multiple terms representing my home State of Alabama, & for multiple terms representing Tennessee when I moved here 14 years ago. I have also served on the TWHBEA Executive Committee in the past. I have judged most major TWH shows across the USA, including the Celebration 8 times, as well as in Europe on 3 occasions. I co-own Irby Farms with my sister Sue Irby, where we have raised numerous World & World Grand Champions & International Champions in both the flat Shod & performance divisions, & I have been an exhibitor in both divisions. We currently have 22 broodmares, 3 breeding stallions, 7 yearlings, 12 weanlings, one spotted TWH, several TWH trail horses, & several retired show horses maintained at Irby Farms. While I love to trail ride & currently have 2 personal trail horses, I seldom have time for those excursions! I love ALL aspects & divisions of our TWH breed, & will fight to protect our horse from breeding, to trail & versatility, to flat shod & performance show horses. In my previous TWHBEA terms, I fought to save us from the Past Act, & will work hard to preserve & promote our great breed if you want me!! 

Jayden Jackson

Shelbyville, TN

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: I have been deeply involved in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry my entire life. My involvement is rooted in a family legacy, with my grandfather, Jack Heffington, serving as a former TWHBEA president, and my grandmother, Nancy Ballentine Elliott, who was actively involved in the industry. My parents, Jacquelyn and Chad Way, have continued this tradition—my mother is the publisher of The Scoop Walking Horse publication, and my stepfather is a Hall of Fame horse trainer. I made my first Celebration debut just two weeks after turning six and won my first world championship, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for showing Tennessee Walking Horses.

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: I am actively involved in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry as an exhibitor, owner, and enthusiast. I have competed successfully across various aspects of the breed, including performance, pleasure, equitation, and trail riding. My deep appreciation for our breed extends beyond showing; I am also passionate about understanding and participating in the breeding aspect. I am particularly proud to show Bravo!, who stands at stud at Sugar Creek, and believe that understanding of all facets of our breed is essential.

Q: What is your occupation?
A: I am a full time student at Middle Tennessee State University, and when I am not in class I work part time at The Scoop Walking Horse Publication. 

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: I am a dedicated advocate for the Tennessee Walking Horse breed in every aspect of my life. Whether I am representing on a national pageant stage as America's Ideal Miss Southern States, promoting our breed and shows to fellow students at school, or educating fellow advocacy members of Autism Speaks about the therapeutic benefits of our horses. Inspired by the impact Tennessee Walking Horses have had on my younger brother, I recently launched my own volunteer platform to further support the therapeutic potential of our beloved breed.

Thom Meek 

Thom Meek is a architect with more than 35 years of experience in providing innovative architectural solutions. He currently serves as Vice President of Design at GHP—an architectural and environmental consulting firm located in the heart of Nashville.  Most recently, his work has been endorsed in the Shelbyville landscape with the additions of Uncle Nearest Distillery, Glass Hollow Table and Tavern, and the upcoming Grindstone Cowboy on the square.

He served as TWHBEA Vice president of Trainers from 2020 thru 2023.  In that time, he had initiatives that lead to creating the TWHBEA & Trainers Resource Book and Trainers Seclusion Showcase that focused on celebrating the special talents that our trainers add to the breed.  The United Show in Tunica was an idea that responded to a need for bring all groups together TWHBEA, The Celebration, FAST, and the Trainers to work for our beautiful horse.  Or the last two years, the United show has contributed more than $200,000 to the legal fund. 

Uncle Nearest is a great venue and Thom has coordinated Tours for a Trainer’s outing as well and receptions to further create unity within our horse community.  With the help of Uncle Nearest, we were able to create a commemorative Uncle Nearest Whiskey offer for Legacy members at TWHBEA to help our mission to save our horse as well as create more inclusivity of our walking horse owners and breeders.

Thom’s greatest personal passion is the Tennessee Walking Horse, he has won two World Grand Championship with The Phantom Menace in 2003 and 2007.  Most recently, Thom and Chris Payne with their boutique breeding at Willow Spring farm has the honor of riding under the spotlight with one he raised.  At the 86^th TWHNC, Lady Whistledown won the 2-year-old Amateur Country Please WC and the Amateur 3 and under Country Pleasure WGC.

A true Tennessean at heart, Thom is an alum of the University of Tennessee where he graduated with a degree in Architecture and is a true fan.  GO VOLS!!!

Stephanie Richardson

Eagleville, TN

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: 15 years

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: Breeded, exhibitor, owner

Q: What is your occupation?
A: Loan specialist 

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: I love all aspects of our wonderful breed. We own and show flat shod, model and performance horses. 

Beth Thomas

Kerri Vaughn

Pikeville, TN

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: 11 years

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: Owner, exhibitor, and breeder

Q: What is your occupation?
A: Aviagen Poultry Specialist 

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: Hi, my name is Kerri Vaughn! Though my time in the industry is relatively short, my love for the breed and industry run deep. I attended my first Celebration as a spectator in 2013, and since then I have dedicated myself to the breed. While I was in high school, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for an FFA leadership conference at which I was given a time slot to speak with TN state senators. I spent this time discussing the importance of our industry, and its economic impact on the state. In 2020, I bought my mare Gin On Jazz and started my social media journey. Throughout the last 4 years I have shared our journey from early training and show preparation to now preparing for her first foal, all while educating the public about our breed and industry across several social media platforms. Last year I served on both the Advocacy and Trail & Versatility committees. I would very much appreciate this opportunity to represent our breed in yet another way!

Dr. Brian Wright 

Lebanon, TN

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: 40+ years

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: Breeder, owner, exhibitor

Q: What is your occupation?
A: Veterinarian

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: Hello TWHBEA member,
I, Brian Wright, would appreciate your support and vote to be re-elected as a director from the State of Tennessee. For those of you who don't know me, I am a practicing large animal veterinarian in Lebanon, TN. I am a lifetime member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association and was born into the Walking Horse industry. I began showing Tennessee Walking Horses at the young age of 7 and I am currently a third generation TWH breeder. Over the past three years I have served on various TWHBEA committees including the Membership & Registry Committee, Advocacy Committee, and the Show Horse Committee.

Over my lifetime, I have participated in all aspects of the Walking Horse industry including showing, breeding, and trail riding. My family and I have a large collection of Tennessee Walking Horses ranging from our beloved WGC Master of Jazz, a dozen broodmares, show horses, retirees, and dependable trail horses. We have numerous show horses in training for both padded performance and flatshod. I have shown in halter, pleasure, and padded performance classes. I have also traveled with my wife, Amanda, and our TWHs to various parts of the country for trail riding adventures. I support all divisions of the Tennessee Walking Horse and believe they are all vital to a thriving industry. I humbly ask for your vote for Tennessee TWHBEA Director.

Sincerely,
Brian Wright, DVM 

to elect (1) director for a full term and (1) director for two years to fill the unexpired term of Bethany Lackey 

CANDIDATES: 

Mary Susan Ellis

Beth Showalter

(Austrialia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom)

to elect (1) director for a full term 

CANDIDATES: 

Gerrit Band

Caroline Jungling

Germany

Q: How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A: Since 1994

Q: What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A: Exhibitor and Owner

Q: What is your occupation?
A: Photographer

Q: Anything else you'd like people to know?
A: The Tennessee Walking Horse has played a significant role since I was a little girl. My mother, an FEI Trainer B from Germany, began training and showing TWHs in Alabama in the 90s. My Godmother is one of Europe's most successful trainers and breeders of Tennessee Walking Horses. I have fond memories of playing in the sand of big show barns in the south and the TWHs I grew up with. My focus has always been on Dressage, Show Jumping, and Versatility. The TWH is one of the most versatile breeds and impresses time and time again. 

2009, I moved to Germany to attend University in Munich and Erlangen, Bavaria. In 2019, I became involved with the Tennessee Walking Horse Club Europe. The TWHCE sees itself as the European Executive branch of the TWHBEA and promotes the TWH. It also organizes trail rides and educational and competitive events for European Members in close collaboration with the TWHBEA. In 2021, I was honored to be named "TWHBEA International Ambassador of the Year. "  As an Exhibitor, I have been successful showing and, with my self trained Horse, WP Hard Cash Thunderstorm, have earned titles such as European 3-Gait Grand Champion 2022, European 3-Gait Dressage Champion 2022, and German 3-Gait Grand Champion 2023. 

Promoting the TWH and ensuring a viable and growing European community has become my passion. The position as International Director will help me continue to develop this successful cooperation. It will also allow me to get to know the TWH communities in Australia, New Zealand, and Israel and support them in their efforts to promote our great breed.  

M.C. (Maryan) Zyderveld

(Iowa, Wisconsin)

to elect (1) director for a full term 

CANDIDATES: 

Kim Leonard 

(Mexico, Dominican Republic

to elect (1) director for two years to fill the unexpired term of James Dolan 

CANDIDATES:

Susana Osorno Belmont

Anyone interested in running for an open seat must declare their intention to run by August 1, 2024 to the CEO, Mark Farrar, by emailing mfarrar@twhbea.com or mailing TWHBEA, Attn: Mark Farrar, PO Box 286, Lewisburg, TN 37091-0286. 

In order to run for a seat on the International Board of Directors, individuals must meet the following qualifications: 

Each Director shall be a resident of the state or region from which they are elected; 

Each Director shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older at the beginning of the election period; 

Each Director must have been a dues-paying member of the Association for at least the past three (3) consecutive years; 

A Director may not be serving a USDA-initiated and finally adjudicated Horse Protection Act suspension of thirty (30) days or longer or have served any such HPA suspension in the last 365 days, nor be serving any HPA suspension of thirty days or longer from any USDA certified horse industry organization during the Director’s term or his/her term will be terminated; 

Each director must take and at all times conform to the oath of office extant at the time of the director’s election and as amended at any time during the term of office; 

Each potential Director must have had at least one horse duly registered with the Association for a period of one year, commencing as of August 1 of the preceding year to be elected, and must keep at least one horse continuously registered throughout the duration of the election period and the term. 

Additionally, no person shall be eligible to be a director for more than two (2) full consecutive terms, however, a director may serve more than two (2) nonconsecutive terms. 

A complete copy of the TWHBEA By Laws and more information on the election of directors can be found at www.twhbea.com/governance/corporate-bylaws.