Meet the APHA Board: Diane Alves
APHA President Diane Alves of Ballico, California, has been involved with APHA for more than 50 years, and she’s pretty much done it all. Stallion owner, breeder, exhibitor, Amateur, regional club supporter, national leadership positions: consider all those boxes checked. Diane brings a plethora of experience—both professional and recreational—to her role on the APHA Board of Directors. Read on to learn more about Diane, what makes her excited about the future of APHA and how you can make a difference, too.
On her APHA journey:
“I’ve been involved in APHA for 52 years, starting as a Youth in the all-around events. In the recent past, my husband and I have been stallion owners and breeders. Today, we raise a few APHA horses and show halter and in-hand classes.
“I was involved at the regional club level for years, holding various officer positions and managing some of our club’s shows. My state director and board interest was triggered by encouragement from my family—my dad was on the Executive Committee in the early 2000s—and the desire to participate at a decision-making level, instead of sitting back and questioning what others did. I was a state director for eight years and on a variety of advisory committees before interviewing for the Board of Directors. I joined the board in the first ‘class’ under the revised governance where Board of Directors members hold three year terms.”
The BEST part of serving on the Board of Directors … and the biggest misconception:
“The best part is the ability to interact with so many different facets of the organization and have an educated knowledge of how things work. And I love meeting people from all over and developing what I expect to be lifelong friendships.
“The biggest misconception is the Board of Directors makes every decision that impacts APHA in a vacuum. Actually, the state directors vote on the rule change proposals and elect Board of Directors members; they can shift the organization by the rules they vote in (such as allowing solids to show with Regular Registry horses) or individuals they elect to the Board of Directors or Nominating & Leadership Development Committee.”
What excites Diane about APHA:
“Paynt Points and the ultimate implementation of a color incentive! In today’s world, earning cash for what you love to do can be a game changer, and I’m excited to see both of these come to fruition. I’m a ‘toby girl’ at heart—my first Paint was a tobiano and I have a yearling tobiano filly I’m showing now—and I love earning money for points and showing in the color classes.”
What she wants others to know:
“As a board member, we not only care about the future of APHA but we also spend numerous hours of our personal free time giving back to the organization in a volunteer capacity. You have to be passionate about what you’re doing to justify it, especially when you encounter negative energy on social media.
“Board members have to look at the big picture of the association. Only 8% of our members show at APHA events, and we always have to consider what the other 92% might be doing or identify ways to involve those who do not participate in all-around shows.”
Diane’s advice to make a difference:
“Change comes from being involved on a personal level, not from behind a keyboard. If you want to pursue leadership, do it! Don’t wait for someone to invite you in. Ask questions, do your homework, and become a change agent.
“Lean into your own work experiences when becoming involved. They can help set you up to be successful in a volunteer role and also can be shared with others. I come from a project management and business/IT processes background and have found it extremely helpful in leading meetings, speaking in front of people and understanding some of the association’s challenges.”
Photo at top: Gail Bates
Photo at right: Jennifer Barbee, courtesy Diane Alves
##
[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted. Please credit the Paint Horse Journal and provide a link provided back to apha.com.]
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.