OQHA

OQHA Nominees 2023 OQHA

OFFICER & DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

President George Seanor

1st Vice President Greg Tordoff

2nd Vice President Judd Paul

Directors

Cynthia Bauman Matt Claypool Kelli Diaz Jeff Gore Randy Jacobs Ron Kendle Brian Lee Kristine Nagy Dennis Taylor Connie Vansickle

NEW ELECTRONIC VOTING

The Ohio Quarter Horse Association will introduce electronic balloting for the 2023 Open, Amateur, and Youth elections. Election Buddy will be used for electronic balloting, which will meet all of our needs and provide a secure format for our elections. Members can vote by email or text using their computer or mobile device. Members will receive a link, associated with their OQHA membership, via email and text. Members will be able to choose their most convenient option. The automated system will only allow members to submit one ballot.

To ensure voter security, Domain Keys and Sender Policy Framework ensure email notices reach each voter and are not marked as spam. Personal voting keys are created and used once using 256bit encryption - the same as major banks. Two factor authentication sent to their phone will be required. All voting choices are confidential and cannot be linked to the voter.

Look for your election ballot in your email inbox in early January.

CANDIDATES

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT GEORGE SEANOR

OCCUPATION

I am currently the General Manager of The Ruhlin Company’s Industrial Division, responsible for the coordination of all construction activities, and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from The Ohio State University. Stark County has been my home for my entire life where I live with my wife Pat on a small farm that we share with our horses and pets.

Current Involvement Contribution to OQHA Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

I am a life member of The Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association, a past president and currently serve on the NOQHA Executive Committee. My wife and I have owned and shown quarter horses for the past 30 years. I have been an OQHA board member for 7 years serving on many committees. Currently I am a Congress Tri-Chairman, First Vice President, chairman of the executive committee and member of the Congress Trail, OQHA finance, rules, horse show advisory and long-range planning committees. As chairman of the building committee, I oversaw the renovations to OQHA’s headquarters. I have also been the Congress Trail Coordinator for the past 18 years.

If elected I would contribute directly to the operations of OQHA, to Congress as Tri-Chairman, as well as serve on committees that I feel are important to the longrange success of OQHA: finance, rules, long range planning and horse show advisory. The 2022 Congress is behind us and its success was a result of hard work by the OQHA staff and Board of Directors. We faced unprecedented challenges this year and will continue to face challenges in 2023. Successfully navigating the challenges by the Board and Staff is critical to a successful 2023 Congress.

It is important that we continue to strengthen OQHA financially, to involve qualified directors and staff to accomplish our goals.

CANDIDATE FOR 1st VICE PRESIDENT GREG TORDOFF

OCCUPATION

I work for Covia Corporation, a mining company that produces high purity silica sand for Industrial and Energy Markets. My current position is Director of Sales for Industrial Markets.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1) Continue to impact the value of being a member of the OQHA with improved membership benefits, annual awards and continued support for our youth programs.

Current Involvement Contribution to OQHA

Currently Serving as the President and supporting the OQHA Organization as well as the The All American Quarter Horse Congress. I have provided ongoing support to the OQHA as President and have served on several OQHA and Congress Committees. I have also supported the many initiatives to improve the overall health of the organization, from asset improvements to Finance Committee support. Our family supports the Congress Class Room, The OQHA Golf Outing, Friends of the Reining and the OQHA Foundation. 2) Continue to improve the All American Quarter Horse Congress experience from the prospective of the exhibitors, vendors and visitors. We need to continue to evaluate the class offerings at the Congress to stay current with the horse show trends. Evaluate the Vendor list at the Congress and pursue new vendors for improved revenue and sponsorship. Lastly, we need to make sure we are making the visitors experience the best it can be. Improvements in the live events would enhance the visit.

3) Develop a plan to add a new stall building to the Fairgrounds. Improvements need to be made at the facility and a new stall building would be a great first step to start the improvement process.

CANDIDATE FOR 2nd VICE PRESIDENT JUDD PAUL

OCCUPATION

Horse Trainer for IronGate Quarter Horses

Current Involvement

Currently serving as the 2nd Vice President and also a member of the OQHA Executive Committee. Over 25 years experience training horses.

Contribution to OQHA

I have served on the OQHA Board of Directors for over 20 years. I continue to help promote the American Quarter Horse in Ohio and contribute to improving the Congress each year.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. Bring new people to the OQHA Board of Directors.

2. Promote our youth program.

3. Continue promoting and generating new ideas to improve the experience of the Congress.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR CYNTHIA BAUMAN

OCCUPATION

Owner of Creekside Horse Park

Current Involvement

I currently run the Mountain Trail program for OQHA and PMT. Along with being the President of PMT and a director at OQHA. I also own 5 horses and compete in the MT trail competitions at other facilities.

Contribution to OQHA

2023 will be my 16th year running the OQHA Trail ride and trail challenge, with it being the largest in the US for the last 10 years for AQHA. I have brought the MT trail program to OQHA along with involved memberships. In bringing a newer trail competition in to OQHA, it has brought a whole new group of people together and more involvement with OQHA. In turn we hope to grow OQHA even more.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

The top 3 priorities for this coming year for me will be helping grow the OQHA membership, give even more reasons to become a member and stay with OQHA. Get the word out on how great OQHA is and why more should be involved.

Current Involvement

I am on the Board of Directors and serve on multiple committers for the WCHA. I am also the Vice President for Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Associaion. I have been an OQHA Director for many years, and I am also a Level 1 AQHA judge.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR MATT CLAYPOOL

OCCUPATION

My wife and I own and operate Claypool Ranch in Xenia, where we offer youth, amateur, and open horses.

Contribution to OQHA

I am able to provide insight into the horse show industry, as I compete in multiple events and have experience in the management of multiple top 10 AQHA shows. I also have a diverse clientele and I have leadership experience as a National Director for WCHA and the Vice President of SOQHA.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. Continue to encourage our youth members.

2. Continue to maintain the Congress as the greatest show, always working to make it more exhibitor-friendly

3. Increase membership involvement and participation by increasing benefits and incentives

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR KELLI DIAZ

OCCUPATION

Self Employed - Jack’s Septic - Septic & Construction Company located in Newark, Ohio serving Licking and 19 surrounding counties.

Current Involvement

In addition to serving my second year as Congress Tri-Chairman, I am currently chair and sit on several OQHA committees including the Annual Banquet (chair), Finance, Marketing, Membership, and Public Policy as well as respective Congress Steering committees such as Food and Beverage (chair), Grounds Security (chair), Commercial Exhibits, and Special Event Ticket Sales.

Contribution to OQHA

I have been an active member of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association for over 35 years. For the past 23 years, I’ve served on a number of committees such as Tri-Chairman, Finance, Marketing, Public Policy, Membership, Annual Banquet, Commercial Exhibitors, OQHYA (advisor), Year End Awards, Congress Queen Program, and Trail Ride. If I am re-elected, I look forward to serving in my 16th year as a director and will continue my involvement within the association.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

(1) Congress – actively striving to discover ways to ensure that we remain not only the most prestigious competition in the country but a leader within the entire quarter horse industry;

(2) Public Policy - Expanding our representation and presence on the state and local levels by strengthening our relationships within the Ohio legislature. In doing so, it is important for us to recognize the power we hold as an organization in our state and potential to effectuate both positive change and security in the future.

(3) Officers and Board of Directors – these positions held should not only work hard individually but work together cohesively to successfully lead our association in every way possible.

Contribution to OQHA

I look forward to our continued sponsorship in OQHA. As my daughter has many years left in the OQHA, I will enjoy having the time to give back to the association by volunteering at events, dedicating my time where it is needed at any of the OQHA shows and sharing my expertise as a member and parent.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR JEFF GORE

OCCUPATION WJG Management

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. My first priority is to to use my knowledge to lend a hand with the OQHA any way I can.

2. Help increase sponsorships for the OQHA by speaking with business owners in order to explain the merits of sponsorship for the OQHA.

3. Help with the sustained growth of the OQHA in all avenues of the organization.

Current Involvement

Jeff, and his wife Tera along with their daughter Emma, have been active in OQHA, AQHA and NSBA for several years.

Jeff’s past work experience includes 20 years in the manufacturing industry as a supervisor and maintenance technician. He currently owns and operates WJG Management, which is Irongate Quarter Horse cattle and calf business. Jeff has numerous years of experience with equine nutrition and livestock management.

Current Involvement

Randy owns dac Vitamins and Minerals. He is a judge for many major horse shows, such as Futurities, Congress, World Show, etc. He is also on the Executive Committee for the World Conformation Horse Association.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR RANDY JACOBS

OCCUPATION

President and Co-Owner of dac Vitamins and Minerals

Contribution to OQHA

Randy’s company became a corporate partner this year and has sponsored the Freestyle Reining for many years. He is a sounding board for new ideas for the Congress and the association, and continues to strive to make us Still the One.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. Growth and betterment of the association and the Congress

2. Increase the exhibitor-friendliness of the show and give back to the exhibitors

3. Constant improvement of the Congress experience

Current Involvement

Been in the equine industry with my daughter for about 13 years, served as a OQHA Director for the past 4 years. Also a current director for SOQHA, and sat on the board of directors for Dreams on Horseback for 10 years. Been involved with the OQHA foundation for the past 3 years.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR RON KENDLE

OCCUPATION Real Estate Broker

Contribution to OQHA

Serving as a current OQHA Director, and have been for the past 4 years. Received the Presidents award in 2019, for working with others when needed throughout the year, and especially at the Congress. Help with VIP camping, move in committee Chairman, serve as the membership chairman, and on numerous committees to help with the Congress. Been involved with the OQHA foundation for the past 3 years, and assist with our Congress Cup golf outing.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. Being creative in making the Congress better than ever before.

2. Listening to our trainers and members on how we can do better to serve as an organization.

3. Support our youth as they are our future in the industry.

Contribution to OQHA

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR BRIAN LEE

OCCUPATION

Horse Trainer at Lee Quarter Horses, located at Liberty Ranch in Powell. Specializing in western pleasure, hunter under saddle, and all around horses.

I feel I can contribute my first hand knowledge of the inner workings of horse shows from the ground level. Owning and operating a horse training business for twenty years I feel I can bring valuable insight to making not only the organization better but also the Congress. As a business owner I understand the priority of not only making sure the best interest for OQHA is considered but also the interests of the exhibitor.

Current Involvement

I am currently on the futurity committee for the Congress and attend all the OQHA meetings. Attend OQHA horse shows and operate Lee Quarter Horses.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

Membership should always be a priority, not only encouraging new membership but also taking care of the members we already have and making sure OQHA is doing a great job to make their experience a good one. I feel the Congress is also a top priority. Although it is very successful there is a lot of work to continue being on the forefront of industry changes to keep it that way.

Lastly I feel we should continue supporting our Youth Association. They are the future of not only OQHA but the industry as a whole. We have the opportunity to be good examples to them and provide leadership skills that are lacking is so many other avenues of their lives.

Contribution to OQHA

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR KRISTINE NAGY

OCCUPATION

Middle school teacher and counselor for 31 years. I currently manage our farm.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

The major priorities of OQHA have not changed. The Congress must remain the number one show in the country.

My contributions to OQHA are twofold. I attend meetings regularly and I work on my committees to make sure that they are functioning appropriately and that the necessary tasks are completed. This is what is necessary for the association to function both efficiently and effectively. The leadership must continue to work together and bring in new, younger leadership willing to continue the association while maintaining the tradition of OQHA.

The political environment must be addressed as well to maintain our sport and events.

Current Involvement

My major involvement with Ohio Quarter horse is through my committee work. I am the chair of the Ohio Queens committee, the Congress speed events, youth speech and demonstrations, morning refreshments and program committees. I am the co-chair of the demonstration committee. I am also on the nominating committee.

Current Involvement

Current Director for OQHA, and enjoys showing at local and regional AQHA shows with my family.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR DENNIS TAYLOR

OCCUPATION

Retired from National Advertising Sales and currently manage Taylor Made Farms

Contribution to OQHA Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

This is my third year as a Director for OQHA. It has been an honor to sit on a number of committees for OQHA. We are fortunate to have great leadership at OQHA and to be a part of this team is nothing short of fantastic. I hope to continue to contribute to our growth and assist in delivering a positive showing experience to our members. 1. Continue to provide our Youth with a platform to be the best they can be.

2. Maintain solid financial responsibility for our membership.

3. Continue to be aggressive in improving the Congress experience for all exhibitors, vendors, and spectators.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR CONNIE VANSICKLE

Current Involvement

My family owns a cattle and horse operation, and we have been involved in the AQHA industry for over 25 years. We raise and train barrel racing horses and have had multiple horses win championship titles. I have been a member of EOQHA for over 25 years, where my husband is a Director, and I have served as their treasurer for the past few years.

Contribution to OQHA

I try to assist wherever help is needed. I have worked with the entry processing and entry office, the NYATT program, and much more. I like to be a helping hand wherever I can.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. Try to assist and make the process smooth throughout Congress.

2. Provide insight on new ideas and industry trends.

3. Make sure people, especially youth, know about the benefits that OQHA has to offer and keep people involved in order to build the association.