​Get Involved in a Committee

The GHJA is always in need of dedicated volunteers to help with our committees. Below is a list and description of the current official and ad hoc committees. Each group welcomes fresh faces to rotate and expand its membership. Since we are a volunteer organization, we draw on our talented members to fill these rolls.

The dedication and commitment by our volunteers, is the spine of our organization. To request additional information about one or more of the committees, please contact any of the Board members listed, or the Executive Secretary. We look forward to working with you!

2024 COMMITTEES

Hearing Committee (elected)
Hears protests and charges in connection with alleged violations of the GHJA Rules. This committee consists of 5 members each with a two year elected term.
Scott Armour, Susan Bowen, Meg Halloran, Julie Mohr, Katherine Paul

Rules and Regulations Committee
Review rule change suggestions; present proposals to the Board and the membership; edit rulebook for publication.
Chairperson: Meg Halloran

Show Standards Committee 
Review and approve show sanction applications; assist and advise show management as prescribed by the rules; monitor feedback from the shows and recommend penalties for rule violations. The Judges Subcommittee now comes under the direct advisement of this Committee.
Chairperson: Linda Matthews
Members: Debby Bandy, Donna Orban

Stewards Committee 
Appointed each year by the President. Members of this committee must be a current steward.
Chairperson: Debby Bandy
Members: All stewards

Nominating Committee 
Recommend senior member candidates to run for election to the Board of Directors, verify qualifications, submit candidates biographies and election instructions for publication and coordinate January election at GHJA Annual Membership Meeting.
Chairman: Megan Owens

Banquet Committee 
Arrange for all aspects of the Year End Awards Banquet
Chairman: Lauren Kissel
Members: 

GHJA Horse Show Finals 
Produce and budget the local Grand Finale Horse Show in November. 
Chairperson: Megan Thiel

Education Committee 
To maximize resources to emphasize safety, promote riding excellence and encourage educational opportunities. This committee includes the following subcommittees: Grants (Scholarships), GHJA Riders Showcase, Safety, and General Education.
Chairperson: Megan Thiel
​Members: Karen Boysen

Hospitality Committee
Hospitality is responsible for communication efforts between Committees and Sponsors. This would include most correspondence at the request of the Board or the Committee Chairs.
Chairperson: 

Jumper Committee
Chairperson: Daniel Pizarro

Outreach Committee
Outreach is committed to engaging individuals and the community with useful information for all attendees at horse shows.
Chairperson: Anna Booth

PR/Technology Committee
Technology is involved with the website, newsletters, and social media. 
Chairperson: 
​
USHJA Ad Hoc Committee
Chairperson: Kat DeMas Mulkey
Members: Vickie Bryans

GHJA East Committee
more info coming soon!

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Current Board Members

Officers	Post Expiration
Megan Thiel President	12/2025
Anna Booth Vice President	12/2025
Alix Nadi Recording Secretary	12/2025
Kristina Photakis ​Treasurer	12/2025

Staff	Email
Lauren Palko Executive Secretary	e-mail

GHJA members are welcome to attend board meetings at any time. Please reach out to our Executive Secretary if you would like to attend a meeting.

2024
​Meeting Dates: 

Annual Meeting - January 21

February 26

March 26

June 4

July 30

August 13

September 17

​November 4

Members	Post Expiration
Scott Armour	12/2025
Debby Bandy	12/2024
Jenny Darst	12/2024
Jamie Bice	12/2024
Karen Boysen	12/2026
Vickie Bryans	12/2026
Sarah Dubois	12/2026
Carolyn Duncan	12/2026
Allison Gresham	12/2025
Meg Halloran	12/2024
Paige Harvey	12/2024
Lauren Kissel	12/2026
Kat DeMas Mulkey	12/2025
Megan Owens	12/2024
Grace Welborn	12/2026
Beth Young	12/2026