Jim Host to Step Down from Chairmanship World Games 2010 Foundation; Interim Chair Named

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. (Foundation), the organization responsible for planning and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced the resignation of its board chairman, Jim Host. Ms. Tandy Patrick has been named the interim chair.

“The possibility of not serving through the full Games preparation period has always been my intention,” stated Jim Host, who has served as chairman of the board since its inception in December, 2005. “I retired several years ago to spend more time with my wife and family, but deferred my retirement to get the 2010 Games off to the best possible start. I think we have accomplished that.”

“It has always been my intent to serve the Foundation until a qualified CEO was both selected and comfortably on board,” Host continued. “It is clear to me that Jack Kelly was the right choice and he has clearly established himself quickly in that role already developing his own network of relationships at a high level.”

“It has been a personal and professional pleasure to work with Jim on planning for the 2010 Games,” said Kelly. “His experience, advice and counsel have been invaluable to me personally and we are fortunate that he was here to get this thing off the ground. I look forward to utilizing Jim on an ongoing basis as we head toward the event.”

“The Commonwealth is indebted to Jim Host for all he has done for Kentucky,” stated Governor Ernie Fletcher. “Jim has been there from the beginning of the 2010 Games efforts and although his experience will be missed, I am confident that Tandy will keep the board on task during this interim period.”

The 12-member Foundation board meets monthly and oversees the independent non-profit organization. Ms. Patrick has served on the Executive Committee of the Foundation since its inception. She is a Member with the law firm of Greenebaum, Doll and McDonald, where she serves as chair of the Real Estate Team and co-chair of the Equine Law Team. In addition, Ms. Patrick serves as chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission.

"Jim Host has long played an extraordinary role in the development of the Kentucky Horse Park, going back to its inception in the late sixties,” stated John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “As Chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, Tandy Patrick's talent and leadership played a critical part in securing the World Games. We should all be gratified that the Foundation will be the beneficiary of Tandy’s remarkable energy, intelligence and devotion."

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of interim chairman for the Foundation,” said Patrick. “Jim Host is a tough act to follow, but I am confident we will continue his legacy and build toward this terrific event.”

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI, and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

Media Contact:
Terry Johnson
Office: + 1 859-225-2010, ext. 222
Cell: +1 859-619-4399