John Long, Chair of the World Games 2010 Foundation, the organizers of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, announced today that Jack Kelly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Games, will be stepping down at month's end. Kelly has agreed to stay on in an advisory role as long as needed.
"With the key 'two years to go' anniversary fast approaching, we have decided that now is the best time for me to step down. As members of the board and I have recently discussed, for several personal reasons and with the increased intensity through the Games, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to fulfill what we agree is needed from a management role. It has been my privilege to serve the World Games 2010 Foundation Board. We have accomplished a great deal and I feel confident about the organizational structure and staff we have put in place to stage the Games. I will continue to contribute all that I can to help and encourage all Kentuckians to do the same."
John P. "Jack" Kelly CEO, World Games 2010 Foundation
"Jack has served our board well with the sporting event experience he brought to us, which has been instrumental in putting the staff and infrastructure in place to be where we are now. He has helped us create a strong organization with a solid foundation for moving forward and for that, we are grateful. In the interim Rob Hinkle, Chief Operating Officer and Walter Herd, Chief Administrative Officer will report to me as the Board Chairman. Jack has agreed to stay on in a consulting capacity and to help us in the transition. The board has not yet determined when or if an executive search will take place for a permanent CEO, but will do so in the next few months after we have had a chance to assess the new arrangement." John Long, Chairman of the World Games 2010 Foundation and CEO, United States Equestrian Federation