AQHA Hires Director of International Activities
The American Quarter Horse Association is pleased to announce that Jamie Hughes has been named director of international activities. Hughes will begin her new role on June 20.
“As the largest equine breed registry in the world, AQHA does business in more than 130 countries, serving approximately 31,000 members and 440,000 registered American Quarter Horses,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA chief executive officer. “Jamie’s international experience, management skills and equine knowledge will be a great asset to the Association to enhance the services, programs and benefits provided to this segment of our members and their American Quarter Horses around the world.”
As the director of international activities, Hughes will be responsible for serving AQHA’s international membership, which equates to nearly 15% of the Association’s business. She will oversee the formulation of policies and procedures to provide an overall direction of AQHA’s international activities and functions. She will also serve as a liaison between AQHA and the Foreign Agricultural Service concerning the cooperator contract between AQHA and FAS. Additionally, Hughes will assist with maintaining and evolving AQHA’s leading international market position by continuously examining, locating and developing international business relationships.
Hughes will manage a passionate team that serves international affiliates and members, serve as the staff liaison for the AQHA international committee and travel internationally.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join AQHA and be part of a team that shares my passion for supporting and empowering the horse community worldwide,” said Hughes.
Hughes received a bachelor’s degree in Russian from the University of Washington and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is also a credentialed project management professional. Her work experience includes program manager, line manager and security operations manager roles at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; IT project manager at Boeing; and IT project manager at Lockheed Martin. Hughes also served in the United States Marine Corps.
In addition to her work experience, Hughes has an extensive equine background. She is an avid endurance rider and Shagya-Arabian breeder. She is a member of the American Endurance Ride Conference, United States Equestrian Federation, United States Dressage Federation, Arabian Horse Association, North American Shaya-Arabian Society and Performance Shagya-Arabian Registry.
For more information on AQHA staff, visit AQHA’s staff directory.
