(Washington, DC)- Russell Williams, the president of the United States Trotting Association (USTA) chairman of Standardbred Horse Sales Co., and chairman of Hanover Shoe Farms and Matt Iuliano, the executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club, have been elected to the American Horse Council (AHC) Board of Trustees following the organization’s Annual Meeting and National Issues Forum, which was held in Washington D.C. June 11-14, 2017.
Williams replaces Michael Tanner, executive vice president of the USTA, while Iuliano was elected upon the expansion of the board of trustees from 14 to 15. Iuliano was also named treasurer of the AHC, succeeding Alex Waldrop in that role.
“Russell Williams has served as both a member and chairman of the American Horse Council board and we are grateful that he will be re-joining the board to lend us his extensive knowledge and understanding of not only the harness racing industry, but the equine industry itself,” said Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “At the same time, we deeply appreciate the guidance and commitment Mike Tanner provided to the council.”
Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, as well as a law degree from the University of Richmond. Mr. Williams also currently serves as a trustee of the Harness Racing Museum and the Hanover Foundation for Excellence in Education. Additionally, he is a member of the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Mr. Williams previously served on the AHC’s Board from 2001-2008 and as chairman of that board 2009-2012.
“Working with the trustees and staff of the AHC adds energy to the other work I do in the horse industry,” said Williams. “I’m very glad to be back on the board.”
Mr. Iuliano was named executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club in 2010, after more than eight years as the organization’s Vice President of Registration Services. He oversees all matters concerning The American Stud Book and represents The Jockey Club as it interacts with national and international industry organizations and committee.
“Matt Iuliano has played an active role with the AHC while serving on our Racing Advisory Committee, and we are looking forward to his increased involvement as a board member and treasurer,” Broadway said.
Prior to joining The Jockey Club in 2011, Iuliano served in several executive capacities at Churchill Downs Incorporated. He also spent seven years as the Director and Operations Manager of Lasma East, a prominent Arabian horse farm that was located in LaGrange, KY.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a Master’s degree in Equine Physiology and Biophysics from Colorado State University before earning an MBA and a law degree from the University of Louisville.
“The Jockey Club is grateful for the support and dedication of the American Horse Council as an advocate for the entire United States equine industry, and I am honored to have been selected as member of the board of trustees,” said Iuliano.
In addition to Williams and Iuliano, the other AHC board members are: Chairman Dr. Jerry Black (American Association of Equine Practitioners – AAEP), Vice-Chairman Jim Gagliano (The Jockey Club), Dr. Glenn Blodgett (American Quarter Horse Association – AQHA), Marilyn Breuer-Bertera (USTA), Craig Huffhines (AQHA), Dr. Tom Lenz (AAEP), Don Marean (USTA), Dr. Richard Mitchell (United States Equestrian Federation – USEF), Chrystine Tauber (USEF), Johnny Trotter (AQHA), Bill Thomason (National Thoroughbred Racing Association – NTRA), Alex Waldrop (NTRA), and Joe Wilson (Thoroughbred Racing Associations) for the 2017-2018 term.
At the annual meeting, the AHC Board of Trustees also approved a name change for the AHC’s Recreation Committee. The new name will be the “Recreation, Trails and Land Use Committee.” Historically, this committee has dealt with trail and land use issues in addition to traditional recreational riding.
In addition to the election of two new Board members, the Chairs of the five AHC Committees were also confirmed:
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- Animal Welfare Committee: Dr. Tom Lenz, American Association of Equine Practitioners
- Health & Regulatory Committee: Dr. Richard Mitchell, United States Equestrian Federation
- Horse Show Committee: Gary Carpenter, National Reining Horse Association
- Racing Advisory Committee: Alex Waldrop, National Thoroughbred Racing Association
- Recreation, Trails and Land Use Committee: Jim McGarvey, Back Country Horsemen of America
If you have any questions, please contact the AHC.
Matt Iuliano
Russell Williams
