Copyright 2005 - The Walking Horse Trainers Association announced at their general membership meeting held on Tuesday, March 29, that they have hired Billy Thomas of Lynchburg, Tenn., as their new Executive Director. This is a newly created position for the Walking Horse Trainers Association.

Thomas brings a lifetime of experience in the Walking Horse business. He is an avid promoter of the industry and was strategic in moving the Walking Horse Museum to Lynchburg where thousands of people have been exposed to the breed. Thomas is well known in industry circles for the colts he trains and shows. He will not be showing his colts however once he takes this position sometime in April.

Thomas has 33 years of accounting and management experience on his resume and his job description will include fundraising, accounting functions, management functions and speaking engagements on behalf of the WHTA.

Marcia  Allison, longtime Executive Secretary of the WHTA, will continue in her role which is not affected by the addition. The two positions will complement each other according to WHTA President David Landrum

Thomas has been hired on a one year contract beginning in April. He met with the personnel committee of David Landrum, Wayne Dean, Allan Callaway and Gary Hollin. He was unanimously accepted by the board and by the general membership.