Donald W. (Donnie) Corley recently joined World Champion Horse Equipment as the general manager. Corley, who is originally from Marion, Ky., has lived in Shelbyville, Tenn., for 35 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations from Murray State University.

Before joining the WCHE team, Corley was employed with the Sanford Corporation for 29 years and held several positions there including shipping and receiving manager, planner/scheduler and manager of Sanford’s return facility.

Corley has roots in the horse community as well. His father and brother both worked with walking horses. Corley even occasionally helped his brother with some of the grooming duties during the Celebration and is very familiar with horse equipment. He enjoys all breeds of horses including Tennessee Walking Horses, Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses.

Corley and his wife Patty, the vice president of sales and marketing at Big G Express in Shelbyville, have two children. Their daughter Ashley, who is 20 years old, is currently attending Middle Tennessee State University. Their son Ryan, 29, and his wife Angela have two children, Dalton and Valynn.

"We are very excited to have Donnie join the World Champion team, " said Jennifer Connelly, WCHE manager. "His past experiences and leadership skills will enable World Champion to grow and expand in the horse equipment industry. We look forward to many great changes in 2004."