TAA hires Hastie as executive director

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced Friday that it has hired James Hastie as the organization's

executive director,

effective November 18. Mike Ziegler, who has served as the TAA's executive

director since March 2012, will remain with the organization through a

transition period before returning full-time to his role as executive director

of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance.

Hastie joins the TAA from Cazenovia, New York, and brings to the

role 15 years of executive management, fundraising and communications

experience. Most recently he served as major gifts officer for the American Red

Cross in Syracuse, New York, where his responsibilities included identification,

cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and communications with major donors. He

also held roles as interim chief development officer and public affairs

specialist at the American Red Cross.

Hastie's prior experience includes leadership

roles at State University of New York, Zurich Rowing World Cup, IMG/TWI, the

U.S. Equestrian Team and Walt Disney World Inc. He holds a Master of

Science in Communications Management from Syracuse University, and a Bachelor of

Science in Communications and Marketing from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York.

He will be based in the TAA's Lexington, Kentucky, offices.

Hastie also brings a long history of involvement with

equestrian sports. He served as director of communications for the U.S.

Equestrian Team from 1997-2000, and as executive director of the Morrisville

College Foundation (MCF) he spearheaded fundraising efforts to build the

Morrisville State College Equine Rehabilitation Center. He was also involved in

organizing the 2012 American Express Ride for The Red Cross, a trail ride in

Wellington, Florida, featuring Olympic riders and benefiting the American Red Cross

National Disaster Relief Fund.

"We're pleased to welcome James to the TAA. His leadership

and fundraising experience, combined with his passion and appreciation for

horses, make him uniquely qualified to lead the organization in its mission to

establish an industry-wide solution for Thoroughbred aftercare," stated Jack

Wolf, TAA board president and Thoroughbred owner.

"We would also like to thank

Mike Ziegler for his dedication and leadership of the TAA. He has been integral

in our initial accreditation and fundraising, and in establishing industry-wide

support for our efforts."

The TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit

organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare

facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing

careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded

initially by seed money from Breeders' Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club and Keeneland

Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers,

breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry

groups.

To support the TAA, please visit

thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.

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