Charles Hulsey of Cullman, Ala. has been named the new executive director of the 18,000 member Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA). He replaces the retiring Bob Cherry, who has held the post since 1991.

Hulsey bring to the job more than 30 years experience in both the business world and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.

“Certainly with Bob Cherry’s retirement, any successor would have a hard act to follow,” said Hulsey. “But the growth that TWHBEA has experienced in recent years presents us with new and exciting challenges. I look forward to working with the staff, the membership, the board and the executive committee in tackling those challenges.”

Hulsey served as a director of manufacturing in a division of Gulf + Western Industries until 1986. Since then, he has served as the owner and president of Marsey Manufacturing of Cullman, Ala., a manufacturer of hospital clothing and a distributor of durable medical equipment.

His involvement in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry began in 1971. He has shown performance horses and owned both pleasure horses and broodmares. For the past year, he has been a member of the ownership group of 1994 World Grand Champion, Gen’s Armed and Dangerous.

“First and foremost, we’re a service organization and are responsible to our membership,” said Hulsey. “We certainly have a capable staff in place, and would encourage our members to feel comfortable in calling upon us any time we can be of assistance.”

An eight-time president of the Walking Horse Association of Alabama, Hulsey has served seven years on the TWHBEA Board of Directors. In addition, he has been a member of the TWHBEA Executive Committee for the past four years and served as an alternate to the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) board. In 2001, he served as the interim NHSC Director of Judges.

“Having worked with Charles Hulsey on the national board and the executive committee of TWHBEA for a number of years, I have come to respect him for his integrity and dedication,” said TWHBEA President Robert Thomas. “He brings to us more than 30 years experience in the walking horse industry as well as business management. I look forward to working with him and to the continued growth of TWHBEA under his leadership.”

Bob Cherry, who retires on December 31, 2002, will serve as an advisor to the Association for one year.

“I believe that Charles is excited and energized about the future opportunities for this breed and business,” said Cherry. “He and I have already scheduled a series of meetings to ensure a smooth transition.”

Hulsey is scheduled to begin his new duties on January 6, 2003.