Sonja Keating, who serves as the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s chief operating officer and legal counsel, will be the organization’s new CEO after Bill Moroney retires Dec. 31.
“Our purpose is to serve members, protect horse welfare, and uphold fairness, safety, and enjoyment,” said Keating.
“Those responsibilities will guide every decision I make. There is important work ahead, and I am excited to get started.”
After Moroney announced his retirement in June, following more than 10 years at the organization’s helm, USEF hired a search firm to help with locating his replacement.
They didn’t have to look far to find Keating, who long has been working closely with Moroney in both her roles as COO and counsel.
Discussing the selection of Sonja, who joined USEF 20 years ago, USEF President Tom O’Mara noted, “More than 100 leaders from equestrian sport, other national governing bodies, membership organizations and the commercial world were considered.
“Every candidate, from inside the Federation or outside it, went through the same interviews, assessments and references. Sonja was the strongest fit against what the role demands and what you told us you need.”
However, some members who have been unhappy with USEF felt a selection should have been made outside the organization’s hierarchy, and thought those who pay dues were entitled to weigh in on the choice. Major concerns include a feeling that the base of the sport has been neglected, while the elite end gets the attention. A member of the executive team who had been in place for years was not the change for which they were looking.
On the other hand, “An outsider would spend the first year learning what Sonja already knows,” is a viewpoint from attorney Bonnie Navin, who has spent time representing her clients on the other side of the table from Keating. And a plus, as Navin noted about Keating, is that “she listens.”
Added Navin, “Do not assume that because Sonja has been inside USEF for 20 years, she believes everything USEF has done for 20 years was correct.”
Navin’s advice to USEF members about Keating: “Give her a chance.”