Maryland THA Board Elects Keefe President

Trainer Tim Keefe becomes only the third president in Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association history following his election by the MTHA's Board of Directors Sept. 4.



Keefe's election, coupled with the election of seven new members to the MTHA board appears to signal a new direction for the organization's leadership.



"I think the new Board is very energetic," Keefe said. "Everyone is looking forward to adding their own input and is anxious to get started."



The meeting was the first since the new board was chosen in an election which saw unprecedented voting with more than 25% of the MTHA membership casting a ballot.



Joining Keefe on the Officers roster is founding member Linda Gaudet and R. Larry Johnson as vice presidents, as well as Michael Horning as treasurer.



Gaudet will head a committee tasked with overseeing all racing and welfare related issues. Johnson will head a committee in charge of oversight of the relations between industry stakeholders. Horning will manage financial duties related to the internal finance and governance of the association.



Keefe replaces outgoing president Richard J. Meyer, who served in this capacity since 2012. Meyer replaced Richard Hoffberger, who had held the position since the organization's founding in 1987.



"I very much appreciate the leadership and service of past presidents Meyer and Hoffberger," remarked Keefe. "I look forward to our new direction which builds upon a strong foundation of representing horsemen for the past 27 years."



Keefe is one of Maryland's most successful trainers after arriving on the scene in 1993.



Johnson, a board member for the past three years who has been critical of past board's, discussed Keefe's election.



"Yes, he's demonstrated that he's a hardworking person who is receptive to change and to better cooperation between horsemen and breeders," Johnson said. "But I think there is more to it than that. He's a person who has demonstrated a sincere interest in making things better."



Gaudet, one of several directors who have been on the board since the MTHA was founded, said having a more open operating procedure under the new leadership can only make things better.



"I think we all feel pretty good about the direction of the association and industry as a whole," Gaudet said. "Yes we have challenges, but now we have before us a new framework to meet those challenges in a more productive manner.



"There's pressure on us now to make sure we get things done and move forward. And I think having Tim as president is a real positive. I've known him for a long time. He doesn't get ruffled. He takes things well, good and bad. He has a good head on his shoulders." 



Johnson said he is particularly pleased to see a board more representative of membership, and he hopes more open to change.



"I think the election, with the remarkable number of people voting, speaks volumes about the need to do things differently," he said. "Of the new officers, we have two owners, two trainers, two people elected three years ago and two who have been there a longer period; I think it's a better blending of the membership."



Keefe said to achieve the MTHA's goals, it is important for everyone in the industry to participate. "I think the job is easier if you're surrounded by good people, like we are here. I think it will be a great three years for Maryland racing."