Changes Afoot in California
Friday, August 4, 2006 - by David
Siegel, for the California Harness
Horsemen's Associaton
The
California Harness Horsemen’s
Association (CHHA), at its July
meeting, announced a series of changes
and additions to its board and staff.
Driver-Trainer Rocky Stidham was
appointed to complete the term of Tim
Twaddle on the CHHA board. Alan
Kirshenbaum was appointed as chairman
to take the reins of the California
Standardbred Sires Stakes Committee.
Jimmy Perez was hired by the CHHA as
its new Executive Director and
finally, Gene Vallandingham were hired
by the CHHA as its new Horsemen’s
Representative.
CHHA President Ben Kenney commented,
“While we are sorry to see Tim Twaddle
depart our board, I cannot think of a
more qualified or dedicated member of
the horsemen’s community than Rocky
Stidham to fill this void.” Regarding
the Sire Stakes, Steve Chambers has
done an incredible job, with the
support of Keith Willey, in turning
around our program. He has put in
tireless hours to get us headed in the
right direction and all of us owe him
a debt of gratitude. I empathize
though with how much effort was
expended and he is now getting a
well-deserved rest. I look forward to
having Alan on board to pick up where
Steve left off.”
Referring to the two new CHHA hires,
Kenney mentioned, “Jimmy has worked
very hard as a board member, and as a
fill-in since our leadership position
was vacated. He is experienced in the
matters that need attention and we are
lucky to have him commit to taking on
this role.” He concluded, “It made
sense to simultaneously hire another
horsemen dedicated to the welfare of
harness racing in California. Gene has
long been a part of the fabric here,
is well respected by his peers, and
was the logical and perfect choice to
round out the team.”
