Pat Marsh, Chairman of the search committee for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, announced the appointment of its new chief executive officer Thursday.

“After an extensive selection process in which we interviewed many exceptional candidates, I am pleased to announce the unanimous decision of the Board of the Celebration to select Dr. Doyle Meadows for the position. Doyle is well recognized within the greater horse industry and he has served in many capacities that make him uniquely qualified to serve in this role,” said Marsh.

Meadows has recently retired from a 20-year career with the University of Tennessee Extension where he led the statewide horse program, including the state 4-H horse shows, the nationally recognized Tennessee 4-H judging contests, and many other multi-state horse events. Meadows has coached 25 World and National Champion Youth Horse Judging Teams.

He has served as the Show Manager of the Tennessee State 4-H Horse Championships for 20 years, held at the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Tenn., in June, which featured 2500 entries in 2007