Claywell Named Director of AQHA Member Experience; Butler Named Registrar

 

AQHA Publicity

The American Quarter Horse Association welcomes Leigh Anne Claywell of Lexington, Kentucky, as the new AQHA director of member experience. Claywell begins her role with the Association on February 8.

“We are proud to welcome Leigh Anne to the AQHA team as the director of member experience,” said Craig Huffhines, AQHA executive vice president. “Her vast background with equine associations, relationship management and membership programs are assets for AQHA. Her knowledge and experience will assist our team with providing the best level of service for our members and customers around the world.”In her role, Claywell will provide direction to the AQHA production, processing and customer service activities department. She will also determine and formulate policies and procedures to facilitate the timely completion of customer requests. Claywell will assist in planning, directing and coordinating operational activities related to completing the transactions requested by members and customers.

Throughout her career, Claywell has served in equine associations, such as the United States Pony Club, Association of Racing Commissioners International, American Horse Shows Association, Nicoma Bloodstock, United States Equestrian Federation, Virginia Horse Center Foundation and the United States Hunter Jumper Association. Her diverse background allows her to understand customers within the equine industry, so she may better serve their interests through customer care and completing work in an effective manner. Additionally, her leadership, communication and problem-solving skills allow her to lead teams to work efficiently, both within the AQHA Member Experience Department and across other departments within the Association.

“I am very excited about joining the team at AQHA,” said Claywell. “AQHA is truly the leader among equine associations, and I’m honored to become part of it. I look forward to working with this great staff, leadership and our members to provide the best member experience possible.”

Claywell has a master of science in sports management and a bachelor of arts in English literature from the University of Kentucky in addition to a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.

Registrar Position Reinstated

AQHA also promoted Chelcei Butler of Amarillo to the position of AQHA registrar beginning February 1. She brings a wealth of experience in solving problems for breeders. Butler was instrumental in helping to navigate a very challenging computer conversion in 2019, a reorganization of the Member Experience Department in 2020 and continues to support improvements in the Member Experience Team. She will work closely with AQHA Chief Operating Officer Paula Newman and Claywell in continuing to improve the services of AQHA.

For more information on AQHA staff, visit AQHA’s staff directory.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.