Edited Press Release

LEXINGTON, VA—Following its September quarterly meeting, the Board of Directors together with Chief Executive Officer Glenn T. Petty of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, is pleased to announce the addition of Colonel David R. Lands to the Board for a three-year term. Col. Lands is the Director of Air Operations for the Virginia Air National Guard at Joint Force Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. During his career, Col. Lands commanded 204 combat intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions during multiple operations including Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Col. Lands is an alumnus of Christopher Newport University and lives with his family on their farm in Gloucester.

In addition to his distinguished military service, Col. Lands is deeply engaged with the equine industry in Virginia. He is a past Chairman and current member of the Virginia Horse Industry Board and former regional director of the Virginia Horse Council. Col. Lands is also a current director and past President of the Virginia Paint Horse Club as well as President-Elect of the American Paint Horse Association.

Foundation Board President Roxanne Booth commented, “We are delighted to welcome David as a member of the Virginia Horse Center family through his Board service. His deep knowledge of Virginia’s horse industry combined with his passion for horses will be a valuable asset to the Horse Center in the coming years. We are excited to work with David in advancing the Horse Center’s mission.”

Col. Lands is joined on the Board by President Roxanne Booth (Charlottesville), Vice President Kenneth Wheeler, Jr. (Keswick), Treasurer Jeff Sterba (Troy), Secretary Elizabeth Horsley (Richmond), and Immediate Past President Gardy Bloemers (Esmont). Directors Judith Bishop (Washington, DC), Brooks Cushman (Middlebrook), Chuck Grossmann (Keswick), William Heizer (Staunton), Dudley Macfarlane (Charlottesville), Ernest Oare (Warrenton), Lynn Rice (Hillsboro), Christina Russillo (Purcellville), Brian Ross (Fairfield), George Williams (Scottsville) and Chris Wynne (Chesapeake) comprise the remainder of the 16-member Board.

Mr. Petty stated, “The leadership and mission-driven vision provided by the Foundation’s volunteer Board is an integral part of the Horse Center’s success. David brings a wealth of experience to the Board from his professional career to his active involvement in the Virginia horse industry. It is a great time to be part of the Virginia Horse Center, and David will certainly add to the momentum.”

The Virginia Horse Center Foundation provides a world-class facility hosting regional, national, and international equestrian events. The Virginia Horse Center Foundation envisions a unique, bucolic landmark to honor and celebrate the timeless, special bond between mankind and the horse through safe, fair, and spirited equestrian competition