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America<\/em>\u2019s Horse, May 1, 2009 \u2013 <\/em>Chad\u00a0Pierce, who has been serving as AQHA\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe welcome\u00a0Chad\u00a0to the AQHA team,\u201d stated AQHA President Jim Helzer. \u201cI have watched\u00a0Chad\u00a0become 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen we approached\u00a0Chad\u00a0to see if he might be interested in moving to AQHA full time, he responded positively and with real interest,\u201d Treadway said. \u201cWhen 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI am excited and look forward to joining the AQHA team as its in-house general counsel,\u201d Pierce said. \u201cOver the past six years, the Underwood Law Firm and I have been blessed with the unique opportunity to provide legal counsel to AQHA.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMy 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\u2019s operations, strategic plans, registration matters, show matters, governance, and other corporate issues. I appreciate the confidence of AQHA\u2019s Executive Committee in offering me this position, and I am eager to contribute to AQHA\u2019s efforts in maintaining its leading role in the equine industry, promoting the American Quarter Horse and protecting the welfare and integrity of the breed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n A graduate of the\u00a0University\u00a0of\u00a0Texas\u00a0and the Texas Tech University School of Law, Pierce and his wife Shannon have twin 5-year-old sons, Will and Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n