Chad Pierce to Join AQHA Staff

America’s Horse, May 1, 2009 – Chad Pierce, who has been serving as AQHA’s general counsel while a partner in the Underwood Law Firm, will become a full-time AQHA employee May 17. In addition to his duties as general counsel, he will assist several AQHA Standing Committees, including Stud Book and Registration, and Nominations and Credentials with conducting their Association business.

“We welcome Chad to the AQHA team,” stated AQHA President Jim Helzer. “I have watched Chad become an integral part of the Association business model these past six years, and now having him full time at AQHA will complement greatly our experienced and dedicated staff. Additionally, this will be a good move financially for AQHA, which is something very important to the Executive Committee in this current economy.”

AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr. commented the move would be a first for AQHA in its 69-year history, but the timing was right for both parties.

“When we approached Chad to see if he might be interested in moving to AQHA full time, he responded positively and with real interest,” Treadway said. “When we sat down to work through the details, it became very apparent this would be a win-win for all concerned, and I am very pleased we could reach an agreement.”

“I am excited and look forward to joining the AQHA team as its in-house general counsel,” Pierce said. “Over the past six years, the Underwood Law Firm and I have been blessed with the unique opportunity to provide legal counsel to AQHA.

“My being able to continue to do so from an in-house position will no doubt allow me to have an even more in-depth perspective of AQHA’s operations, strategic plans, registration matters, show matters, governance, and other corporate issues. I appreciate the confidence of AQHA’s Executive Committee in offering me this position, and I am eager to contribute to AQHA’s efforts in maintaining its leading role in the equine industry, promoting the American Quarter Horse and protecting the welfare and integrity of the breed.”

A graduate of the University of Texas and the Texas Tech University School of Law, Pierce and his wife Shannon have twin 5-year-old sons, Will and Ben.

Pierce joined the Underwood Law Firm in 1995 and with the retirement of longtime Association legal counsel Barry Stone assumed that position for AQHA in 2003.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.