At its board of directors meeting on Sunday, January 24, the board of the California Harness Horsemen's Association reluctantly accepted the resignation of association

president Ben Kenney and elected Alan Kirschenbaum who is currently serving on the board of directors as its new president.

Kirschenbaum, a prominent owner and breeder of standardbred horses, has served as a CHHA director for almost two decades and is currently the chairman of the California Standardbred Sires Stakes Committee.

Outgoing president Kenney had served in that position for over six years and as a director for several additional years. Other more personal and time consuming pursuits were cited as reasons for Kenney's departure. The full board expressed its sadness at president Kenney's resignation, citing his tireless efforts and commanding leadership on behalf of the harness horsemen throughout California, and wished him well in all of his future endeavors.

Kenney's departure from the board of directors created an open position on the board to be filled by an owner/breeder. Dr. Wayne Knittel was appointed unanimously to fill this position through the end of Kenney's elected term on the board. Dr. Knittel owns and manages KB Farms in Bakersfield, CA and had previously served on the CHHA board of directors and the California Standardbred Sires Stakes Committee.

(CHHA)