The AQHYA Executive Committee and regional directors for 2020-21 were elected during the 2020 Virtual Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar.
American Quarter Horse Youth Association national officers and regional directors for the 2020-21 term were elected July 1 during the Virtual Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar.
The AQHYA Executive Committee and regional directors play a major role in the youth association by planning events, participating in community service projects, and spreading the word about American Quarter Horses, youth activities, and AQHYA. They also represent AQHYA throughout the year at functions and events worldwide.
Each of AQHYA’s 11 regions can elect three directors at the Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar. From those directors, delegates elect five national officers.
This year, delegates elected the 2020-21 AQHYA officer and director leadership team through a digital election process. To learn more about the process and AQHYA governance during this year’s digital election process, check out the AQHYA Guide to Campaigning.
Throughout the year, the AQHYA Executive Committee and regional directors network with horse enthusiasts to ensure a successful future for the industry. The AQHYA Executive Committee and regional directors set goals to grow youth involvement in every aspect of the equine world, uphold the integrity of the breed and work toward ensuring the future of the industry.
The AQHYA Executive Committee and regional directors have a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills to enhance their AQHYA experience and all of their future endeavors. All youth are encouraged to get involved. For more information on AQHYA, visit www.aqha.com/youth-overview.
AQHYA Executive Committee
President: Justin Eddy of Rocheport, Missouri
First Vice President: Claire Lee of McAllen, Texas
Second Vice President: Steve Wheat of Ocala, Florida
Executive Member: Emma Schaefer of New Virginia, Iowa
Executive Member: Alexa Black of Springfield, Ohio
AQHYA Directors
Region 1
Isabella Laguna of Snoqualmie, Washington
Region 2
Kimberly Johnson of Mud Butte, South Dakota
Region 3
Curtis Johnson of Indianola, Iowa
Hannah Inchiostro of Foristell, Missouri
Kendalyn Herlocker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Region 4
Courtney Hilty of Huber Heights, Ohio
Sydney Sargent of Paris, Kentucky
Region 5
Adriana Totten of Chester, New Jersey
Morgan Hipkens of Kirkville, New York
Rylee Ridgely of Camden-Wyoming, Delaware
Region 7
Alexandra Santos of Tucson, Arizona
Madison Wachtel of Wells, Nevada
Region 8
Jake Jolstad of Lakewood, Colorado
Lauren Pursley of College Station, Texas
Millie Landon of Pilot Point, Texas
Region 9
Sidney Dunham of Jonesboro, Arkansas
Spencer Hardin of Olive Branch, Mississippi
Region 10
Blakeley Abbott of Covington, Georgia
Sydney Nicholls of Harrisburg, North Carolina
For more information on the 2020 YES, visit www.aqha.com/youth-excellence-seminar.
