Based upon input and consultation, Standardbred Canada CEO/President Dan Gall has announced realignment of its operating departments.

“These changes are a direct result of many discussions with the membership and industry stakeholders who have consistently told us to stick to our knitting and do what we do best,” stated Gall. “A wide brush approach of serving our members and industry isn’t as effective as it might have once been. Therefore, with the assistance and direction of our board and employees we are working towards honing in on our strengths with a more focussed and defined approach.” The not-for-profit association is the national registry of the Standardbred breed, representing over 6,000 Standardbred owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and grooms.

Gall continued, stating that “all changes begin with people. Standardbred Canada needs to capitalize on its existing skill set and expertise within, and provide our employees an opportunity for professional growth that aligns with the organization’s long term objectives.”

Those long term objectives include a narrower and more concentrated focus on the association’s strengths including Communications and Data Governance and Management.

Effective immediately, Communications Manager Darryl Kaplan has been asked to oversee the Communications and IT departments as Senior Director of Information and Innovation. “Darryl is a well respected business leader within our industry and has been a part of the Standardbred Canada team for many years. I have asked Darryl to assist me with the oversight and strategy of the Communications and IT departments, directing and leading operations and projects going forward,” said Gall.

With this change, Advertising Director Dan Fisher will assume additional responsibilities as Managing Director of the TROT Magazine publication including editorial content, production, and advertising sales. “Dan has been on the TROT team for years and has been working with Darryl in making the magazine one of the most read Standardbred magazines in North America,” said Gall. “It seemed like a natural extension that Dan continues to assist in the success of TROT Magazine.”

Gall added that “another big area of focus for the organization will be on digital communication platforms including a website refresh, and social media strategies, and we have expanded Jeff Porchak’s responsibilities from website director to Director of Digital Communications. Again, this opens the door for our employees to really shine in what they do by creating more accountability and responsibility in areas that matter to them and the association.”

Finally, Kathy Wade Vlaar, formerly Manager of Industry Marketing has been asked to reposition the department from industry marketing to Membership and Stakeholder Relations. “This new direction underlines our position that Standardbred Canada works for our members and our business partners. This sharper focus will allow Kathy to capitalize on her strong interpersonal skills and clearly focus on the needs of our members and stakeholders for the association. A great example of this is the Membership Value Program (MVP) that Kathy created and launched most recently for Standardbred Canada.”

Gall concluded that these changes are first steps in resetting our focus for Standardbred Canada as we concentrate on being an essential service and support for the horse, sport and industry.