The American Quarter Horse Association has made great strides in the way the Association supports members and customers; however, AQHA leadership realizes there is much more to do to enhance AQHA programs and services offered. To support the effort for technology improvements and maintain strong service-staff teams, AQHA has restructured the Association’s leadership team and added new talent and experience to the AQHA Leadership Team.

For the past two years, Aaron Bovos has performed incredible work as the Association’s chief operating officer, chief financial officer and treasurer. Bovos has been named the AQHA chief strategy officer, while still retaining his chief financial officer and treasurer positions.

As the chief strategy officer, Bovos will create and implement the Association’s short-term and long-range strategic goals and change management activities. He will also work with the Association’s leadership team to identify needs, develop action plans and oversee the implementation and monitoring of plans. As the chief financial officer and treasurer, he will continue to manage the financial activities of the Association, including tracking cash flow and financial planning, as well as analyzing AQHA’s financial strengths and weaknesses and proposing corrective actions.

With the transition of Bovos’ role, AQHA is proud to announce that Paula Newman of Grapevine, Texas, will serve as the new AQHA chief operating officer. Newman begins her role with the Association on February 1.

As chief operating officer, Newman will be responsible for day-to-day operational functions and the success of AQHA. She will be in charge of directing, planning and managing the daily internal and external AQHA operations. She will also be responsible for overseeing organizational performance and how it relates to measurable goals.

“We are all excited to have Paula as a new member of the AQHA team,” said Craig Huffhines, AQHA executive vice president. “She is a proven leader with a strong work ethic and a passion for excellence. Her track record of exceeding expectations will prove beneficial to AQHA members and our staff who serve them.”

Newman has more than 25 years of experience with progressive advancement in organizational and financial oversight. Her background also includes expertise in multi-department management, contract negotiations and financial analysis. Newman has worked at Remington Park Inc. in Oklahoma City; Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas; and was previously employed with the City of Grapevine. She is proficient in identifying areas to improve efficiency and cost savings, as well as formulating action plans to capture optimal results. Her experience of working with teams at racetracks allows her to better understand the equine industry and will be utilized to enhance the forward momentum the Association is currently experiencing with improving operations and business initiatives for customers.

“I am very excited to be joining the leadership team at AQHA,” said Newman. “I grew up with American Quarter Horses, competing in AQHA shows, rodeos and barrel racing futurities. I am thrilled to be returning to work in the industry I am most passionate about. I look forward to working with the AQHA team to continue operational improvements and advancements to the membership experience.” 

Newman received a bachelor’s of science in accounting from East Central University and master’s in business administration from Texas Christian University.

For more information on AQHA staff, visit AQHA’s staff directory.