The American Saddlebred Museum and Gift Shop Announces New Executive Director

LEXINGTON, KY (November 06, 2015) – The American Saddlebred Museum and Gift Shop announced today the selection of Jennifer K. Foster as its new Executive Director. Foster will assume leadership from longtime Executive Director, Tolley Graves, who earlier this year announced her intent to retire. The selection was made after a national search and selection process.

 

“We are thrilled to announce this appointment,” remarks Amy Rock, President of the Board of Trustees. “We conducted an exhaustive and thorough national search for this position and were delighted with the caliber of candidates. Jenn has incredibly strong management, fundraising, and strategic planning experience. More importantly, she has an undeniable passion for the American Saddlebred. Her skills and passion are an excellent fit for leadership of the Museum.”

 

Foster’s resume includes over 30 years of business management in design and print promotions. She has served in leadership roles on the boards of non-profit organizations including the Nature Science Center, SciWorks, Forsyth Country Day School, the Piedmont Opera and the Winston-Salem Symphony. She has a longstanding dedication to community involvement including the Junior League of Louisville and Rotary. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Foster’s involvement with the American Saddlebred began with her daughter’s riding and show career starting at Cash Lovell Stables and then continued to Mary and Evan Orr’s High Caliber Stables in North Carolina. Now residing in Kentucky, Foster and her family stable their Saddlebred with Marilyn Macfarlane at Walnut Way Farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

 

“I am excited for this opportunity to become involved with such a special and unique organization that shares the history and promotes the future of the American Saddlebred, a cause so close to my heart,” remarks Foster. “I look forward to taking over the reins from Tolley who has done such a wonderful job of preserving and growing this esteemed Museum. I am confident that my past experiences have prepared me to lead the Museum into the next phase.”

 

The American Saddlebred Museum, Gallery, and Gift Shop is the ultimate "Showplace for Saddlebreds." Located on the grounds of the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, the Museum provides an exciting and educational experience. Inside, visitors learn the important role the American Saddlebred played in our nation's history, and how he has evolved into the elegant, athletic, and versatile breed we know today. The Museum features special exhibitions that change annually along with a wide variety of permanent exhibits such as a children's area, award-winning videos, and a priceless collection of Saddlebred-related artwork. The Museum boasts the largest collection of Saddlebred artifacts in the world. While the Museum serves as a resource to the Saddlebred industry, it also educates tens of thousands of visitors annually about the beauty, versatility, and history of the American Saddlebred horse.