Welcome, Stephen Shank, the New CEO of the VHCF

The Virginia Horse Center bids farewell to CEO Glenn Petty and welcomes newly appointed CEO Stephen Shank.

An accountant by profession, Shank earned associate degrees in math and science from Niagara County Community College in 1985, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Niagara University in 2003, and a Master of Business Administration in accounting from Niagara University in 2005.

Shank most recently served Alfred University in Alfred, New York, as Head Coach and Director of the Equestrian Program since 2015. A western trainer with more than 40 years experience in training, showing, and horse show management, Shank has taught riding classes and courses in Equine Management Studies while serving as Head Coach of the University’s Interscholastic Equestrian Team. Since 1982, Shank has owned and operated Shank Quarter Horses, a boarding, training, breeding, and showing facility in Wellsville, New York.

Shank is a nationally sanctioned horse show judge holding Judges’ Cards for the American Paint Horse Association, the Palomino Horse Breeders Association, the Pinto Horse Association, the Appaloosa Horse Club, the Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada, the American Ranch Horse Association, and National Snaffle Bit Association (Category 1.).

Shank commented, “I would like to thank the Virginia Horse Center Board of Directors for the honor of being chosen their next CEO. My life passion is the horse industry, so my excitement is beyond measure to start working with and for everyone at the Virginia Horse Center.”

The Virginia Horse Center is thankful for Glenn’s contributions and wishes him the best.