Two Long-Time Employees Set to Retire from AQHA

The American Quarter Horse Journal, September 24, 2008 – Jim Jennings and Gary Griffith, two long-time employees of the American Quarter Horse Association, have decided to retire after 37 and 38 years, respectively. Jim’s retirement is effective December 31 while Gary’s will be April 1, 2009.

Even with retirement, Jim and Gary will not be completely departing AQHA. Both have agreed to continue as independent contractors assisting the Association in their areas of expertise. Jim will be writing columns and articles, and assisting with other related projects. Gary will manage the arenas at AQHA’s World Shows and will serve as an adviser on registration matters.

After nearly 40 years, both Jim’s and Gary’s contributions to AQHA are immeasurable.

Jim Jennings

Jim joined AQHA in 1971 as associate editor of The Quarter Horse Journal. In 1980, Jim was named assistant editor, and then editor in 1988. Jim was promoted to editor-in-chief of both The Quarter Horse Journal and The Quarter Racing Journal in 1994. The following year, he was elevated to senior director of publications and in 2000 became executive director of publications.

During the years, Jim has authored countless award-winning feature and business stories for AQHA’s publications. In addition, he has served as president of American Horse Publications and Livestock Publications Council, and he was inducted into the Livestock Publications Council Hall of Fame.

Jim played an instrumental role when The Quarter Racing Journal became its own publication, and he was responsible for the development of America’s Horse in 1998. He has directed redesigns of all publications over the years, including the newest “sectioned” design of the Journal. During one of those redesigns, the official business publications were renamed to accurately reflect the name of the breed – The Quarter Horse Journal became The American Quarter Horse Journal and The Quarter Racing Journal became The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal. 

Of course, Jim is an accomplished photographer and book author. He has penned two books over the years, including his latest “Best of the Remudas,” which features photos and stories Jim has written about the ranches that have earned AQHA’s Bayer Best Remuda Award.

Supporting Jim throughout his career has been his wife of 38 years, Mavis. Their daughter, Jill Dunkel, and her husband, Doug, live in Archer City, Texas, with Jim and Mavis’ three grandchildren.

Gary Griffith

Gary joined AQHA in 1971 as assistant to the director of racing. Later that year, he became the director of transfer, and in 1972 he was named director of youth activities. He was chosen as director of shows and youth activities in 1977, and in 1992, Gary became AQHA’s registrar, the second person to hold that title since its creation in 1969. In 2000, Gary was promoted into his present position of executive director of registration.

 During his time at AQHA, Gary has been part of countless changes, milestones, and new and innovative procedures. He has attended every AQHA World Championship Show since its inception. As registrar and executive director of registration, Gary was at the helm during the initial stages of HYPP and other genetic defects to administer how the Association would manage those issues.

 Gary also has had instrumental roles in significant rule changes regarding registration, including embryo transfers, excessive white and DNA/parentage verification. Garyhelped usher in new registration processes, including the new OnBase system and online registrations. Throughout the years, Gary also has successfully guided the Incentive Fund, field inspectors and blood typing of horses.

 By Gary’s side for most of his time with AQHA was his late wife, Janice, of 35 years. The couple’s son, Brandon, and his wife, Dee, currently live in Gainesville, Texas. Garyhas two granddaughters.

 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.