Oklahoma City, OK – July 29, 2010 – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) recently made changes to its Marketing & Communications Department to accommodate expanded activities in those areas. Todd Barden will now lead the new Sponsor Development & Television Programming Department as Senior Director while Christa Morris will spearhead the Marketing & Communications Department as Director. With the change, NRHA is excited to also add an additional staff person to work with both departments.
As the Association has grown and prospered over the past several years, so has its needs in the areas of marketing, communications, sponsor development and fulfillment. Responsibilities in network and online television programming; commitment to sponsorships and fulfillment; NRHA Inside Reining DVD sales; Animal Welfare initiatives; alliance activities and promotion via emerging social media have increased dramatically. The structural change reflects the Association’s increased responsibilities to its members, potential members and fans. NRHA leadership believes it is a step in the right direction to meet those requirements as efficiently as possible.
Barden has 25 years of sales and marketing experience in the western horse industry. He was on the Western & English Sales Association board of directors for six years, promoting the industry from within. He has been director of sales and marketing for various companies including Cowboy Décor, Clearview Publishing (Chuck DeHaan), and Triple Creek Products, and was involved with sales and/or advertising with the Quarter Horse News, Panhandle Slim, M&F Western Products, and Montana Silversmiths. Barden is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, with a degree in animal science from Texas A & M University, and he’s been married to his wife Jill for the last 16 years.
Christa Morris has worked within equine association management for the past ten years. She was a director for the American Youth Horse Council for three years encouraging youth involvement with all breeds of horses, as well as serving as the Senior Manager of Youth Activities/AQHYA for the American Quarter Horse Association. In addition, she worked as the Director of Racing Programs for AQHA helping to promote racing industry ownership and opportunities. She was the Director of Communications for the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association prior to joining NRHA. Morris is an Oklahoma native with a degree in animal science - business and agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University.
Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard setting body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.
