The U.S. Equestrian Federation announced today, Jan. 12, that Chris Welton is leaving his position as chief executive officer to pursue other interests. The USEF is grateful to Welton for his contributions over the last 18 months and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

The USEF board of directors has named Bill J. Moroney, the president of the USEF’s largest affiliate association, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, as the interim chief executive officer until the position is permanently filled. The appointment is effective immediately.

Moroney has served as a director of the USEF and member of its Executive Committee, vice president of the National Affiliates Working Group, chair of the Audit Committee, chair of the Planning Committee, co-chair of the Mileage Rule Revision Task Force, chair of the Horse Welfare Initiative Task Force, and co-chair of the Pony Committee.

In addition to these leadership positions, he has served as a member of the National Breeds and Disciplines Council, Show Jumping High Performance Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Hearing Committee, Licensed Officials Committee, Continuing Education Committee, and Steward/TD Committee.

Since 2003, Moroney has also served as president and founding member of the USHJA. Under his leadership, the association has gone through a growth-driven reorganization of its governance model, resulting in a tremendous increase in its membership and financial stability.

“Bill has been actively involved in the governance of equestrian sport in the United States for the last 18 years and is deeply experienced in almost every aspect of the federation,” said USEF President Chrystine Tauber. “His experience, coupled with his commitment to the sport, makes him the ideal person to lead USEF through this transition.”

In a letter to USHJA members, Moroney announced he’ll take a leave of absence from his position as the group’s president “as soon as practicable.” 

“I have met with the USHJA Board of Directors, and my duties will be assumed collectively by the officers as I make this transition,” he wrote. “We are the Federation’s largest affiliate, and we have a strong, committed Board of Directors, supported by talented staff, that will continue to lead our organization forward.”