Assembling on February 29 at the 2016 APHA Convention in Richmond, Virginia, the association’s Board of Directors elected Karen Thomas to the APHA Executive Committee as its Sixth Committee Member.
Involved in the horse industry for more than 30 years, Karen is the manager of Double C Acres, a breeding, training and showing facility operated by three generations of her family in Morganton, North Carolina. A lifetime APHA member, Karen has been involved regionally and nationally, serving as an APHA national director since 2008 and member of several committees. She’s also been involved in her family’s business, Bob’s Space Racers, in capacities that include daily operations, budgeting, merchandising and human resources.
“I believe I have the traits needed to be a member of the Executive Committee. I have fortitude, and I hope you all know me well enough to know I have the integrity. I have the ingenuity and the excitement to bring new people to our association. I value our members, all of our members, and their Paints. We chose to be in the Paint Horse business, and we’ve loved every minute of it,” Karen said. “With wisdom and innovation, we can make APHA the leader in the equine industry. With honesty, integrity and transparency, we can work with gratitude and humility—being grateful for the opportunity to be here—and represent the American Paint Horse Association. Henry Ford once said ‘Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is the process, and working together creates success.’ ”
With the addition of Karen, the Executive Committee now stands as follows:
President: Susie Shaw, Parsons, Tennessee
President–Elect: George Ready, Hernando, Mississippi
Vice President: Dr. Craig Wood, Owenton, Kentucky
Senior Committee Member: Mike Short, Shiner, Texas
Fifth Committee Member: Casey West, Abilene, Kansas
Sixth Committee Member: Karen Thomas, Morganton, North Carolina
Immediate Past President: Ron Shelly, Georgetown, Texas
Karen spoke to the APHA membership about her experiences and goals for the association in her nomination video:
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.