nrcha-executive-director-anna-morrison
* Photo courtesy of NRCHA.

Anna Morrison Out as NRCHA Executive Director

The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) has parted ways with former executive director Anna Morrison.

The association issued a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 3, announcing the “release” of Morrison as executive director of the NRCHA.

The statement said Morrison was initially placed on administrative leave on Dec. 15, and was no longer with the association as of Jan. 3.

The statement did not say why Morrison was placed on administrative leave last month, or detail any other circumstances surrounding the parting of ways.

When reached by phone, NRCHA Media & Communications Manager Callie McCarthy-Boevers said the association would not comment beyond what was in Tuesday’s statement.

Quarter Horse News reached out to Morrison for comment, and she responded with the following:

“In the two years I have had the pleasure of serving the membership of NRCHA the association experienced growth in many aspects of its business, including membership, premier event entries, premier event purses, ticketed event attendance, and sponsorship support,” Morrison said via email Tuesday evening. “We launched online entries and a new website, and built a dynamic staff team. Cow horse continues to be a sport I am very passionate about, and I am proud of the work I did that will support the health of NRCHA into the future.”

The NRCHA said that Emily Konkel, the association’s Premier Event Manager, would act as operations manager pending a search for a new executive director.

“The board members and staff are dedicated to the association’s progress and will be working diligently to ensure the association operates with minimal disruption to our members, affiliates, and fans during this transition,” NRCHA Vice-President Paul Bailey said in the statement.

Morrison was hired by NRCHA in October, 2020, and began her tenure in December of that year. She previously worked in the horse industry as chief foundation officer of the American Quarter Horse Foundation and chief international officer of the American Quarter Horse Association.

She was hired to replace former NRCHA Executive Director Jay Winborn, who had left the association the year before to become the executive director of the National Cutting Horse Association.