The Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association has announced the appointment of its new executive director.

Debbie Francis was the successful candidate in an extensive search to fill the position and she will assume her new role at the end of April.

“Debbie comes to us with over 20 years’ experience in the harness racing industry as an owner and a breeder,” said ASBA President Wayne MacRae.

“The ASBA Board of Directors believes her experience and skill set will be a great asset to the ASBA and the Atlantic Sires Stakes program,” MacRae added.

Francis graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and she is currently a Councilor for the Municipality of West Hants. Francis is also the newly elected vice president of the Truro Harness Horse Owners Association.

Francis resides in Sweets Corner, NS, with her husband Peter and son Gregory, who also shares a passion for the harness racing industry.

“Over the past 20 years I have followed my dad's lifelong passion for this industry and I am looking forward to working with the Board of Directors and members of the ASBA as I take on this new role in the industry my family has always enjoyed so much,” says Francis.

Francis will assume the role of executive director at the ASBA’s annual general meeting on April 28. The AGM will take place in the Red Shores at Charlottetown Driving Park grandstand at 1 p.m.

Francis will take over from outgoing executive director Lynne MacLennan who held the position for the past 11 years. MacLennan has moved on to another position in Cape Breton.

The ASBA administers the Atlantic Sires Stakes program, which was formed over 50 years ago to promote the Standardbred horse industry in Atlantic Canada. Today the program showcases the best young horses in the region and offers participants and spectators the finest in harness racing action.

(ASBA)