Chief Executive Officer at American Paint Horse Association

Please apply directly to APHA President Diane Alves at [email protected] (instructions below)

Reports to the APHA Board of Directors

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the operational and strategic leader of a global corporation that is comprised of three major components:

• The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), a 38,000 (approx.) member non-profit organization with an annual operating budget of $13M and investment portfolio valued at $21M. APHA is a purebred breed registry charged with maintaining the pedigree and records of the American Paint Horse.

• The American Paint Horse Foundation (APHF), a 501(C)3, the philanthropic arm associated with APHA, with a current asset base of approximately $3M.

• Marked For Greatness Properties (MFG), a wholly-owned for-profit subsidiary of APHA. This for-profit subsidiary represents a revenue-building potential through the prime-located retail store, the PH Barn Door; the "Gathering” series of events in the Fort Worth Stockyards; outreach & experiential opportunities in a place-based setting that focus on Western lifestyle activities; and other equine-centric profit centers that may emerge. The Fort Worth Stockyards attracts over 9 million visitors per year, so the market potential for capitalizing on these opportunities is immense and untapped by MFG.

The CEO reports and is responsible to the APHA Board of Directors and provides direction and leadership in all aspects, operational and financial, of APHA, APHF and MFG. The CEO also leads, oversees and is responsible for the hiring, development and termination of staff, including building the necessary infrastructure to run the organization from a financial, technical and human resource perspective. The CEO implements and is responsible for the business and strategic plans of the association as well as supporting the Board of Directors and the State Directors to fulfill their governance functions.

Key Position Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership through the development, approval and implementation of the annual business plan and three-year strategic plan; Identify new opportunities for growth including increasing membership and participation in APHA-sponsored and regional horse shows
• Financial management of the organization’s financial goals, objectives, budgets and investment assets 
• Industry representation within the traditional equine industry and identifies innovative opportunities in non-traditional areas 
• Staff leadership in the day-to-day operations and execution of the short- and long-range plans, policies and programs for APHA across all departments
• Board of Directors leadership via support of the activities associated to the organization’s governance 
• Member-based organization leadership, placing a high priority on customer service and satisfaction
• Compliance and risk management related to all state, federal and local laws that govern APHA, APHF and MFG 

Job Requirements

• Proven leadership and organizational skills with knowledge or awareness of the equine industry. Previous executive or senior level experience in the industry is a plus. 
• Financial acumen on non-profit and for-profit organizations 
• Technical aptitude to provide first-class service to association members 
• Excellent communication skills across all levels or in front of groups including the ability to communicate with and educate, seek input from and be responsive to the membership
• Works well in a collaborative environment 

Education & Experience

• University degree in Business Administration, Equine Science, Agriculture or other related fields of study. Post graduate education and/or degree is preferred 
• Minimum of 10 years in a senior or executive leadership role 
• Deep understanding of nonprofit governance, fundraising strategies and financial management preferred 

Instructions to Applicants 

To receive full consideration, please direct all inquiries, resumes (with letter of interest) and referrals to:

• APHA President Diane Alves: [email protected]

About the Company 

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members' experiences with their horses. Our mission at the American Paint Horse Association is to promote, preserve and provide meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.