Kevin Price to Step Down; Whitney Allen Appointed as Executive Director

Lexington, Ky.—June 27, 2024—Today, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association announced that its Board of Directors has named Whitney Allen as Executive Director. Allen, currently serving as the Director of Operations, will succeed Kevin Price, who is stepping down from the organization.

Britt McCormick, President of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, said, "We are delighted that Whitney Allen is stepping into the role of Executive Director. She is a multi-talented, visionary leader with a complete set of creative, strategic, and analytical skills to guide our organization in a highly competitive and evolving environment. She has proven operational and leadership experience, a tremendous passion for success, and a deep network of relationships within our industry. She also fully embraces the principles of excellence, dedication, and service on which the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association was founded. We are confident she will build upon the organization's legacy and lead us toward a successful future."

"On behalf of the entire Board and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, we truly appreciate Kevin Price's steady leadership,” said McCormick. “With many key achievements under Price's tenure, the United States Hunter Jumper Association is ready for new leadership to build on our past successes and realize our full potential for the future."

"I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director,” said Allen. “I have great respect and appreciation for what our team has accomplished, and I look forward to leveraging our strong foundation to expand our reach and impact. I have the clear goal of moving the organization forward by working with the Board to identify and pursue growth opportunities, collaborating with and inspiring our team, and delivering improved performance for our stakeholders. I cannot wait to get started and take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead."

Under Allen's leadership as Director of Operations, the organization significantly improved its operational efficiency and strategic direction, driving growth and enhancing performance. Allen spearheaded key initiatives, including the development of innovative marketing strategies and successful sponsorship programs.

Prior to her role at the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, Allen held positions of increasing responsibility in the equestrian sports industry. Her extensive contributions to equestrian sports administration and organizational leadership, starting with the American Horse Shows Association (now USEF) in New York, are a testament to her capabilities. After earning a BS in Equine Science with a minor in history from Centenary College (now Centenary University), she joined the USHJA as one of its first employees, eventually becoming Marketing Director and Managing Director of Sponsorship. Whitney achieved a Master of Science in Sports Management with a business minor at The University of Kentucky, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Allen's board-level commitments include being a long-time Board of Directors member for American Horse Publications, where she served as president for five years and currently as treasurer, as well as President of the Board of Directors for the Secretariat Center since January 2024.

Following the completion of the transition process, Allen will assume the role of Executive Director at the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, effective immediately.