Horse Illustrated Magazine

The United States Equestrian Federation will now hold the USEF Mid-Year Board Meeting as a virtual event to support ongoing efforts to minimize gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was approved by the Board of Directors in a meeting held Friday, April 24. The USEF Mid-Year meeting—scheduled for June 22-23, 2020—will be open to up to 1,000 people, including the media and USEF members, with further details to come regarding the schedule and how to register for the meeting.

A key agenda item for the 2020 Mid-Year Meeting is the election of the new USEF president. The Nominating Committee will present the official nomination of Tom O’Mara as the candidate for president. O’Mara has served on the USEF Board of Directors for the past four years and the past two years in the role of secretary/treasurer.

“The Nominating Committee is pleased to put Tom O’Mara forward for the role of president of the Federation,” commented Judy Sloan, the 2020 USEF Nominating Committee chairperson. “Given Tom’s diverse and deep background in finance, governance, community leadership, and equestrian sport, we feel he is the ideal candidate to guide the Federation’s Board and management team into the future.”

O’Mara led the Drugs and Medications/Lab Review Task Force, which thoroughly evaluated alternatives and made the recommendation to transfer the USEF testing lab to the University of Kentucky. O’Mara has also served on the Competitions Task Force as an active contributor. O’Mara built a successful career in the world of investment banking over a 30-year period, and has also demonstrated a passion and commitment to equestrian sport in many capacities. He spent years as an active and supportive parent and husband with five O’Mara riders: his wife, Liz; and their four children, Casey, Abby, Meg, and T.J. He also took his commitment to the next level through his volunteer board roles at USEF and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Advisory Board, of which he was the co-chair and now remains an active member. He prepared a thorough and convincing expression of interest for the Nominating Committee, indicating that he would continue to carry forward the vision to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

“I strongly support the Nominating Committee’s selection of Tom O’Mara as my successor as USEF President,” said USEF President Murray Kessler. “Tom is passionate about equestrian sport, is deeply experienced on USEF committees and the board, has unique experience with intercollegiate equestrian sports, and understands the importance of each of our 29 breeds and disciplines. He also brings real-world business experience to the position, which I found incredibly important over the past four years. I urge the board and membership to support his candidacy.”

Upon board approval, O’Mara will continue to serve in his role as secretary/treasurer until officially taking office as USEF president in January 2021. USEF President Murray Kessler will continue to serve in his current role during this same time period.

In addition to the election, this is the first year that all rule changes will be submitted to the USEF Board of Directors for approval during the 2020 Mid-Year Meeting.

Members are encouraged to join the mid-year virtual USEF board meeting. Please mark your calendars.

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