Joanie Morris has announced her resignation as USEF Managing Director of Eventing. Photo by Uptown Eventing.
It is the end of an era as Joanie Morris, USEF Managing Director of Eventing, has announced her resignation. Joanie assumed the role in 2012 following David O’Connor’s appointment as International Technical Advisor and coach for the U.S. eventing team.
Joanie oversaw the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team through the 2014 World Equestrian Games; the 2015 Pan American Games; the 2016 Olympic Games; Erik Duvander’s appointment as U.S. Performance Director for Eventing in 2017; the 2018 World Equestrian Games; numerous Nations Cups both abroad and on U.S. soil; and every major international competition that featured U.S. athletes in North America and around the world over the past six years.
“The job has been the greatest privilege of my entire life. I have experienced more highs and lows than I ever thought possible. The medals are how we are judged in public, but it’s actually the day-to-day struggle that has made it all worth it. Those are the memories that I’ll carry forward. It’s a job that is completely all-consuming and needs 100-percent commitment from the person who is doing it. I’ve been fortunate to have it be my life for nearly six years,” Joanie said.
“I never thought I’d work for USEF forever. For me, the timing is right to take the next step. I’d like to see what other opportunities are out there for me. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband (Richard Picken) and at our farm, and enjoying what life has in store for me next.”
To say Joanie has been an indispensable part of the U.S. team would be an extreme understatement. Boyd Martin once described her as “a diamond” to the team, and that is perhaps the best way to succinctly summarize the way in which she has impacted the USEF High Performance program.
USEF announced today that the organization is now accepting applications for the position of Managing Director of Eventing. While Joanie’s position will officially end on April 1, 2019, USEF confirmed that she will still serve as Team Leader for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, in order to oversee the execution of team operations.
The full job description for USEF Managing Director of Eventing is listed below:
US Equestrian seeks a highly effective leader with an astute and excellent understanding of FEI and international equestrian sport to fill the position of Managing Director of Eventing. This position will work hand-in-hand with the Eventing Performance Director to prepare and lead the U.S. Eventing Team for Olympic Games and World Championships, while also overseeing the development of emerging talent through identifiable pathways to ensure sustainable success for the future.
A key leadership position within US Equestrian’s International Disciplines’ Sport Department, the Managing Director of Eventing spearheads all US Equestrian initiatives, governance, and programs related to U.S. Eventing and works closely with internal departments and the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) in order to grow the sport of eventing across all levels within the U.S. This position will oversee all US Equestrian programs related to eventing; serve as the lead liaison to the Eventing Sport Committee; manage the Elite and oversee the Development programs; manage the team selection process; prepare and manage the eventing budget; and oversee logistics and selection for team and individual funded travel, among other duties.
Applicants looking to apply for the Managing Director of Eventing position should be performance-focused and willing to approach challenges from a variety of angles. Individual must be a detail-oriented manager and a clear communicator and have a good understanding of the eventing landscape within the U.S. In addition, applicants should be prepared to build effective relationships with a broad group of stakeholders while being energetic, resilient, committed, and reliable.
A bachelor’s degree and three to five years of professional experience in sport is required.
To apply for this position, please click here.
Please join EN in thanking Joanie for her years of service to the USEF High Performance Program.
Go Eventing.
