The National HBPA has announced the
appointment of Eric Hamelback as their new CEO. Eric will assume
responsibilities on April 20, 2015 and will succeed Phil Hanrahan, who stepped
down earlier this year.
Hamelback has most recently been the
General Manager for Adena Springs, KY. He was with the Adena Springs team
covering 14 of the last 17 years, beginning in 1997. He began with Adena
Springs as Yearling Manager, then promoted to Assistant Manager both in Kentucky
and then with the Florida operation and he was ultimately appointed to General
Manager of the Kentucky operation in 2008.
Hamelback stated, “Accepting the
position as CEO for the National HBPA is an honor. To be part of an
organization that has its primary focus being the health and welfare of the
equine athlete, along with that of protecting horsemen’s interests, epitomizes
what I have strived for in my professional career. I look forward to joining
with members of this organization, and continuing to promote and protect
racing, our amazing athletes, and most importantly the horsemen that make this
industry great.”
“The National HBPA went through a
careful and deliberative search process and we are delighted with the outcome.
Eric’s background separated himself from the other candidates. He sealed the
deal with his clear passion for the equine athlete, his desire to champion the
cause of our members, along with his clear interest in helping the overall
industry work together rather than divisively,” commented National HBPA President
Robin Richards.
Hamelback has been a long time horseman,
starting his career in the late 1980s on the racetracks and training centers in
Louisiana and Arkansas. Eventually he attended Louisiana State University where
he also managed equine herds at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon
graduation from LSU, Hamelback returned to the tracks of Louisiana and Arkansas
working for an equine veterinary practice. In 1994, Hamelback was given the
opportunity to start his professional career in Kentucky with Prestonwood Farm.
In 1997 he began his tenure with Adena Springs. In 2008, Hamelback was promoted
to General Manager of the Kentucky operation. Currently Hamelback is active on
several industry boards. Presently he resides on the KBIF Advisory Board, the
University of Kentucky GLUCK Foundation Board, the TOBA Board of Trustees and
TOBA Executive Committee as Secretary, and the Thoroughbred Charities of
America Board of Directors.
