News and Notes from the USEA Annual Meeting of Members
The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is always full of educational seminars and interesting conversations, but one of the most pivotal staples on the Convention schedule each year is the Annual Meeting of Members where members receive important updates on the Association.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, USEA President Lou Leslie opened up the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting of Members at the Sheraton New Orleans hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the standard formalities required of every meeting before outgoing President of Administration and Finance Brian Murray presented his final treasurer’s report.
Murray shared some statistics surrounding the financial status of the Association:
Revenue increased 1.98% in comparison to fiscal year 2024
Starters decreased 6.5% in comparison to the 2024 season
Membership declined 3.9% in comparison to the 2024 season
However, the USEA is ending the year with no debt and with plenty of funds still in their operating budget
Following Murray’s presentation, Hilary Miskoe, of the USEA Foundation, took to the stage to provide relevant updates on the Foundation’s status and to thank outgoing Trustee Carol Kozlowski for her service.
It was then USEA CEO Rob Burk’s time to share updates from the Association. He started his presentation by recognizing the efforts made by USEA Staff across the 2025 season and then recognized staff members with important service anniversaries and two staff with pending retirements in 2026. Those members of staff are
Robert Winter | 20 years
Wendy Weinstein | 20 years
Nancy Knight | Pending retirement
Jason Caldwell | Pending retirement
Highlights from the 2025 season that Burk identified included several USEA programs moving strongly towards becoming self-funded, sponsorship relationships with the USEA holding strong with nine corporate sponsors and 76 total sponsors, and that over $500,000 in funding was raised for frangible devices in just under four months.
Then it was time to recognize some key players in our industry, starting with the Governor’s Cups.
“The USEA Governors’ Cups are among the highest honors given by the USEA Board of Governors,” said Leslie. “Presented annually in recognition of volunteers whose services have contributed significantly to the sport, these are meant to highlight the best among us. It is my honor to announce the 2025 recipients of the USEA Governors’ Cups are Jennifer Bodtmann, Mary D’Arcy, David Slagle, Dan Stickney, and Ruth Sawin.”
The next award presented was the Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy. This award acknowledges the role of the event organizer and their commitment to our sport. Each year, the USEA Board of Governors selects recipients for this honor. The 2025 Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy was awarded to Kathy Brunson.
It was then time to recognize the outgoing USEA Area Chairs for their service. Thank you to Tiffany Wandy of Area II, Max Corcoran of Area III, and Stephanie Reimers of Area V for their service to our sport.
Leslie then took a moment to present the President’s Cup to Leslie Law. She recognized Law for his continued commitment to the sport, to his education of many key players in our sport, and to his, "Just get on with it," mentality that has helped shape much of our sport today.
Former USEA President Kevin Baumgardner stepped up to the podium to announce this year's nominees and reappointments to the USEA Board of Governors.
This year there were two new nominees in Leonie Padgett (At large) and Jen Holling (At Large) for three-year terms. In addition Mogie Bearden-Muller (Area II), Jennifer Howlett Rousseau (Area IV), Shawn Ortiz (Area X), Dana Bivens (At Large), and Dan Michaels (At Large) were reappointed for three year terms. All nominees were approved by majority vote.
The USEA Foundation also saw one new individual for appointment by the USEA Board of Governors to serve as Trustees of the USEA Foundation in Sarah Broussard.
The USEA Board took a brief recess to conduct official votes and during that time, Burk took some time to thank outgoing President Leslie for her service to the USEA.
“Over the past several months, I have shared thoughts—some of which many may not have heard—but I want to say this clearly and without hesitation: there is no one who cares more, in her heart, about this sport, the horses, and this community than Lou Leslie. She feels deeply the struggles we face, and she is genuinely fulfilled by our collective successes,” he shared.
“I could easily spend the next several hours speaking to what Lou’s leadership has helped us accomplish over the past three years, as well as the decades of dedicated volunteer service she gave long before that. From empowering others to help solidify our financial future, to dramatically expanding our granting capacity; from technological modernization of the USEA, to fostering a more transparent and fair organization—Lou’s impact is both broad and enduring.”
The 2026 USEA Executive Committee were named as follows by new USEA President Molly Pellegrini:
Erin Tomson: Secretary
Rusty Lowe: VP Safety
Sharyn Antico: VP Competitions
Jacob Fletcher: Treasurer
Lauren Nicholson: VP Active Athletes
Siobhan O’Brien: VP Strategic Planning
Allison Murphy: VP of Area Affairs
Jennifer Rousseau: VP Education
Pellegrini then recognized two outgoing USEA Board of Governors members, Lou Leslie and Brian Murray.
“I am familiar with the countless hours of conference calls, reading and studying, as well as your overall dedication to supporting our sport and this Association. Thank you all so much for your service," she said.
At that time, the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting of Members was adjourned.
About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, from Dec. 11—14. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.
The USEA would like to thank the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Sponsors: Adequan, ARMA, Bates Saddles, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, PulseVet, Rebecca Farm, RevitaVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.
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