The Masters of Foxhounds Association has announced that it has hired a new executive director, effective Jan 1, 2017. David Twiggs will replace Dennis Foster when Foster retires on April 1, 2017. 

Twiggs has made a career introducing others to his passion for the outdoors by redeveloping and positioning large-scale rural resort communities into sporting destinations. As part of this effort, Twiggs has been involved in management and membership of sporting clubs-a multifaceted profession that has included developing, managing and marketing those communities, a deep knowledge of land conservation issues, and incrementally growing those communities while not losing touch with their incumbent membership and its traditions. 

In his most recent position, Twiggs was CEO of the 26,000-acre Hot Springs Village; a multi-use sporting community in the mountains of Arkansas. As part of that position he developed a rod-and-gun club, a magazine, an outdoors tourism promotion company and various other entrepreneurial efforts. He is the author of the book, Destination Communities, which promotes the creation of sustainable outdoor-based leisure and relocation destinations. 

Twiggs, his wife Ashley and their two daughters, Salem and CeCe, are all avid equestrians and all foxhunt. They started foxhunting with Shakerag (Ga.) and joined Belle Meade (Ga.), where they were members for eight years. David served as an honorary whipper-in while a Belle Meade member. Ashley exercised hounds and was founder and chair of the hunt ball auction. She is a strong advocate for bringing juniors along in the hunt. 

“We are extremely excited to have someone with David’s many skills and enthusiasm take a leadership position in our sport,” said MFHA President Jack van Nagell. “David brings a passion for sport, deep knowledge of land and hunting issues, and a keen sense of marketing and development to help the sport of mounted hunting grow.”

David will officially begin on Jan. 1. He will serve during a three-month transition period with Dennis Foster, before assuming the sole responsibility of the position on April 1.  David’s mission will include growing the sport and the MFHA’s subscribing membership, supporting existing hunts, and increasing the financial base and endowment.