Tom O' Mara Put Forward as Candidate for USEF President, USA Aims to Return to Competition 1 June

Dressage

U.S.A.

The USEF Board of Directors' Mid-Year Meeting scheduled for June 22-23, 2020, will be held virtually to support ongoing efforts to minimize gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This decision was approved by the Board of Directors in a meeting held Friday, April 24. The USEF Mid-Year meeting will be open to up to 1000 people, including the media and USEF members, with further details available in the coming days regarding the schedule and how to register for the meeting.

Tom O' Mara Candidate for USEF President

A key agenda item for the 2020 Mid-Year Meeting is the election of the new USEF President. The Nominating Committee will present the official nomination of Tom O’Mara as the candidate for President. Tom has served on the USEF Board of Directors for the past four years and the past two years in the role of Secretary/Treasurer.

"The Nominating Committee is pleased to put Tom O'Mara forward for the role of President of the Federation," commented Judy Sloan, the 2020 USEF Nominating Committee Chairperson. "Given Tom's diverse and deep background in finance, governance, community leadership, and equestrian sport, we feel he is the ideal candidate to guide the Federation's Board and Management team into the future."

Meet Tom O'Mara

Tom led the Drugs and Medications/Lab Review Task Force, which thoroughly evaluated alternatives and made the recommendation to transfer the USEF testing lab to the University of Kentucky. Tom has also served on the Competitions Task Force as an active contributor. Tom built a successful career in the world of investment banking over a 30-year period but importantly has a demonstrated passion and commitment to equestrian sport in many capacities. He spent years as an active and supportive parent and husband with five O’Mara riders: his wife, Liz, and their four children, Casey, Abby, Meg, and T.J. He also took his commitment to the next level through his volunteer board roles at USEF and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Advisory Board, of which he was the Co-Chair and now remains an active member. He prepared a thorough and convincing expression of interest for the Nominating Committee, indicating that he would continue to carry forward the vision to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

To Succeed Murray Kessler

“I strongly support the Nominating Committee’s selection of Tom O’Mara as my successor as USEF President," said Murray Kessler, USEF President. "Tom is passionate about equestrian sport, is deeply experienced on USEF committees and the board, has unique experience with intercollegiate equestrian sports, and understands the importance of each of our 29 breeds and disciplines. He also brings real-world business experience to the position, which I found incredibly important over the past four years. I urge the board and membership to support his candidacy.”

Upon board approval, Tom O’Mara will continue to serve in his role as Secretary/Treasurer until officially taking office as USEF President in January, 2021. USEF President Murray Kessler will continue to serve in his current role during this same time period.

Webinar 1: Planning for a Safe Return to Competition

The USEF is planning to facilitate a safe return to competition following the COVID-19 suspension.

This is a good opportunity for trainers, exhibitors and competition managers to understand how to work together to create the safest possible environment for everyone as we look ahead to restarting 2020 competitions as early as June 1 with a phased regional approach in line with local and state government restrictions.

USEF Guidelines for Competitions will be shared. These guidelines have been developed by Dr. Mark Hart, USEF’s Team Physician and Chair of the Fédération Équestre Internationale Medical Committee, with input from competition management. Panelists will include USEF CEO Bill Moroney, Dr. Mark Hart, USEF General Counsel Sonja Keating, ESP President Michael Stone, and trainer John Madden.

This webinar event will be open to USEF members with 1000 spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will open Thursday, April 30. The virtual webinar will be held via Zoom. We encourage participants to submit questions in advance when registering. There will be a Q & A session following the presentation.