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The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has selected Kurt Crawford as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately, following what APHA described as an extensive candidate search and careful consideration.
In the role, Crawford will lead APHA’s “family of brands,” including the non-profit American Paint Horse Association, its wholly owned for-profit subsidiary Marked For Greatness Properties LLC, and the charitable American Paint Horse Foundation.
A familiar leader inside APHA
Crawford joined APHA in 2017 as director of business development. APHA says that under his guidance, the association more than doubled its presence among corporate partners and sponsors, with sponsorship revenue now exceeding $1 million annually.
APHA also credits Crawford as being instrumental in developing Marked For Greatness Properties’ privately owned events, including the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and The Cowgirl Gathering.
Before joining APHA, Crawford held leadership roles across the cutting horse industry, including executive director of the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association and a senior sales executive role at the National Cutting Horse Association, along with other executive leadership positions.
What APHA leadership said
In the announcement, APHA President Mike Holloway said the board was thrilled to welcome Crawford and pointed to his leadership, industry insight, and collaborative approach, while emphasising APHA’s focus on refining strategic priorities and delivering member value.
Crawford said he was truly honoured to serve as CEO, thanked the APHA Board of Directors, and said he looks forward to refining the association’s strategic direction while introducing new opportunities to strengthen engagement and deliver lasting value for members.
The scope of the organization he’s stepping into
APHA describes itself as the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, founded in 1962, with more than one million horses registered across 59 nations and territories.
The association is headquartered in the Fort Worth Stockyards, where APHA notes more than 10 million annual visitors experience Western culture and encounter APHA’s “Legacy of Color” bronze statues on Mule Alley—an example of how the organization positions itself as both a breed registry and a public-facing ambassador for Paint Horses.
What to watch next
With Crawford stepping into the CEO role immediately, members will likely be watching for early signals on priorities—particularly how APHA balances core registry and member services with continued growth in sponsorship, branded events through Marked For Greatness Properties, and the Foundation’s mission-driven initiatives.