Q& A
with FTBOA President
George Isaacs
The Florida Horse Editor-in-Chief Brock Sheridan had an opportunity to speak with new FTBOA President George Isaacs to discuss his experience in the Florida Thoroughbred industry, as an FTBOA board member and his priorities as president of the Association. TFH—Congratulations on your election as FTBOA president and board chair—the Association’s “top volunteer.” Please describe your path as an engaged FTBOA member that gave you the opportunity to serve in this role. GI—This is the second time I have served on the board, after rotating off once before due to term limits. When I served the first time, I learned about the internal functioning of the FTBOA and how the board shapes policy as it relates to the specific issues facing the Florida breeding and racing industry. These efforts are much more complex than meets the eye, and many of the decisions involve the passage, implementation, or interpretation of state laws and regulations, which can make things tricky as it relates to politics at the state level. Ultimately, because I have spent more than 30 years working at Bridlewood Farm—which is still a major Florida breeding operation—I want to do my part to bolster the vitality of our Florida industry. TFH—Can you talk about recently retired—perhaps temporary in some cases—board members, new incoming board members, and the board in general? GI—Let me take a very deep breath before I start answering this one. The last six presidents in order were Fred Brei, Dr. Phil Matthews, Greg Wheeler, George Russell, Brent Fernung, and Valerie Dailey. What is amazing to me, is that each of them turned out to be the right person for the job at exactly the right time for the board, the Association, and the industry. All of these past 20 THE FLORIDA HORSE JANUARY 2023 n
presidents were deeply committed to the organization and had their own unique strengths that they brought to the table. Our newest board members, Jerry Campbell, Mike Hall, and Mary Lightner, all bring diverse business backgrounds to the board and are fully invested in our business from a racing and breeding perspective. Sometimes I think the membership loses sight of the fact that everyone on the board is not only a volunteer, but they also have their own hardearned money invested in Florida-breds and our industry. It only stands to reason that all of them would do their level best to strengthSerita Hult Photo en the value of Florida-breds in the sales ring and on the racetrack. TFH—What do you see as the greatest strengths of the FTBOA, its programs, and its people? GI—Because I am a working man with boots-on-the-ground, I have witnessed a very positive change in the culture and team dynamic at the FTBOA under the experienced and watchful eye of CEO Lonny Powell. He has handpicked and forged a small team that does a tremendous amount of work. Each of them lives and breathes Team FTBOA. All of them do their own vital part in promoting the value of the Association and the Florida-bred. I am personally impressed by the positive team atmosphere and how everyone works so cohesively. TFH—As president, you have pledged to increase awareness and participation in the Florida Thoroughbred Political Action Committee. Please discuss the PAC a little more, why it is import-
