Lexington, Kentucky – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced today a significant leadership transition, appointing Sonja Keating as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment, confirmed by the USEF Board of Directors, will be effective January 1, 2027. Keating, who currently holds the dual roles of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Counsel for the organization, will step into the leadership position following the retirement of Bill Moroney at the close of 2026. Moroney has helmed the USEF for over a decade, guiding the organization through a period of substantial growth and evolution in the equestrian landscape.

The selection of Keating marks the culmination of an extensive and meticulous national search, orchestrated by a dedicated board search committee. This committee was chaired by US Equestrian President Tom O’Mara and engaged the expertise of the renowned executive search firm, Korn Ferry, to ensure a thorough and impartial evaluation process.

A Deliberate Search Informed by Stakeholders

Prior to initiating contact with potential candidates, the search committee undertook a comprehensive outreach effort to gather vital insights from the USEF membership and its broader stakeholder community. This included conducting surveys distributed widely to members and engaging in in-depth, one-on-one conversations with athletes, leaders of affiliate organizations, and board directors. The objective was to meticulously define the essential qualities, requisite experience, and preferred leadership approach for the Federation’s next chief executive. These insights, gathered directly from those invested in the sport, were instrumental in shaping the role’s responsibilities and establishing leadership benchmarks in collaboration with Korn Ferry. This rigorous foundation ensured that the evaluation of each candidate was aligned with the articulated needs and priorities of the equestrian community.

Rigorous Evaluation Process Yields Strongest Candidate

Leveraging the criteria meticulously developed through member and stakeholder input, Korn Ferry identified a diverse pool of over 100 prospects. This broad net cast across equestrian sport, national governing bodies, membership associations, and commercial leadership sectors ensured a wide range of potential leaders were considered. Both internal and external candidates were subjected to an identical, rigorous evaluation process, which included standardized interviews, comprehensive assessments, and thorough reference checks. This uniformity in the assessment process underscored the commitment to fairness and transparency throughout the selection.

“Our members told us what they needed from the next CEO, and the committee used that input to evaluate a strong national field through a rigorous, consistent process,” stated Tom O’Mara, President of US Equestrian. “Sonja emerged as the strongest candidate against those criteria. She combines understanding of the sport with the operational experience to lead this organization and a plan for the future. Most importantly, she demonstrated that the welfare of the horse and the needs of our membership will be at the center of her leadership and the Federation’s decisions. The Board is confident she is the right leader for the next chapter.”

Keating’s Vision for the Future

Upon her appointment, Sonja Keating expressed her deep honor and gratitude for the opportunity to lead US Equestrian. She extended her thanks to the Board of Directors, the membership, and outgoing CEO Bill Moroney for his exemplary partnership and years of dedicated service.

“Our purpose is to serve members, protect horse welfare, and uphold fairness, safety and enjoyment. Those responsibilities will guide every decision I make,” Keating affirmed. “There is important work ahead, and I am excited to get started.”

Keating brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been an integral part of the US Equestrian team since 2006. She initially served as General Counsel, demonstrating a strong command of the legal and regulatory framework governing equestrian sport. In 2022, she was appointed Chief Operating Officer, a position she has held concurrently with her legal responsibilities. In these capacities, Keating has been a key representative for US Equestrian in critical national and international forums, including engagements with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and various USEF affiliate organizations. Her extensive tenure has provided her with an intimate understanding of the organization’s operations, challenges, and opportunities.

A Seamless Transition with Moroney’s Support

Bill Moroney, who will continue to lead the Federation until December 31, 2026, expressed his full confidence in Keating’s ability to steer US Equestrian into its next phase. “Sonja has been a trusted partner to this organization and to me, and she has earned this through the quality of her work and her commitment to our members,” Moroney remarked. “I am confident in the Federation’s future under her leadership and will do everything I can to support her.”

The transition period, commencing immediately, will involve close collaboration between Keating and Moroney over the next 90 days. This focused handover is designed to ensure continuity and facilitate a smooth transfer of responsibilities, leveraging Moroney’s extensive institutional knowledge and Keating’s operational expertise.

A Deeply Rooted Understanding of the Equestrian Ecosystem

Keating’s journey within US Equestrian reflects a consistent dedication to the sport and its participants. Her initial role as General Counsel provided her with a foundational understanding of the complex legal and ethical considerations that underpin equestrian activities, from competition rules to athlete safety initiatives. The subsequent expansion of her responsibilities to include Chief Operating Officer allowed her to gain comprehensive oversight of the Federation’s day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and resource management. This dual perspective—grounded in both legal principles and operational realities—positions her uniquely to address the multifaceted demands of the CEO role.

Her representation of USEF on the international stage, engaging with bodies like the FEI, has equipped her with an understanding of global equestrian trends, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative opportunities. Similarly, her interactions with US Olympic & Paralympic Committee have provided insight into the broader landscape of Olympic and Paralympic sports governance in the United States. Her work with USEF’s diverse affiliate organizations has fostered a deep appreciation for the unique needs and contributions of various breeds and disciplines within the equestrian community.

The Importance of Member Input in Leadership Selection

The structured approach to selecting Keating highlights a modern governance model that prioritizes stakeholder engagement. The proactive solicitation of feedback from athletes, affiliate leaders, and general members demonstrates a commitment to democratic principles in organizational leadership. By directly incorporating these voices into the criteria for the next CEO, the USEF Board has signaled its dedication to ensuring the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of its constituents. This inclusive process is designed to foster greater trust and buy-in from the membership, reinforcing the idea that the leadership is a reflection of the collective will of the equestrian community.

Historical Context of USEF Leadership

Bill Moroney’s tenure as CEO has been marked by significant achievements. He assumed leadership at a time when the landscape of national governing bodies was undergoing considerable transformation, driven by evolving federal mandates, increasing demands for athlete welfare, and the growing influence of digital communication. Under his guidance, US Equestrian has navigated these changes, focusing on initiatives aimed at promoting equestrian sport, supporting athletes, and ensuring the integrity and safety of competitions. His retirement marks the end of an era, leaving a legacy that Keating will build upon.

The transition to Keating, an internal candidate with extensive experience within the organization, suggests a desire for continuity and a recognition of her proven capabilities. Her promotion from COO and General Counsel to CEO underscores the Board’s confidence in her ability to lead the Federation forward, leveraging her deep understanding of its inner workings and her established relationships within the equestrian world.

Looking Ahead: Key Challenges and Opportunities

As Sonja Keating prepares to assume the CEO role, she will inherit a Federation facing both significant opportunities and persistent challenges. The continued growth of equestrian sport, the increasing professionalization of disciplines, and the ongoing dialogue around athlete well-being and horse welfare are central to the organization’s agenda. Keating’s stated commitment to prioritizing horse welfare and member needs suggests a strategic focus on these critical areas.

The implementation of robust safe sport initiatives, the ongoing development of athlete support programs, and the cultivation of a diverse and inclusive equestrian community are likely to remain high on the Federation’s agenda. Furthermore, navigating the complexities of international competition, securing sustainable funding models, and adapting to evolving media and sponsorship landscapes will be crucial for the Federation’s continued success. Keating’s operational and legal background provides a strong foundation for addressing these multifaceted challenges with strategic foresight and a commitment to sound governance.

A Personal Message from the President

In conjunction with the official announcement, US Equestrian President Tom O’Mara shared a personal letter with the membership, further elaborating on the selection process and his confidence in Keating’s leadership.

"Late yesterday the Board of Directors appointed Sonja Keating as the next CEO of US Equestrian, effective January 1, 2027. Sonja currently serves as our chief operating officer and general counsel and will succeed Bill Moroney, who retires at the end of this year," O’Mara wrote.

He reiterated the integral role of member feedback in the process: "I want to tell you how we got here, because you were part of it. Before the search committee considered any candidate, we put a survey out to membership asking what you wanted in our next leader. Many of you took the time to answer, and we shared what we heard in open webinars. What we heard from you helped inform the profile of our next CEO, together with the responsibilities of the role and a leadership benchmark developed with Korn Ferry."

O’Mara emphasized the breadth of the search and the rigorous evaluation, stating, "We then ran a national search with Korn Ferry. More than 100 leaders from equestrian sport, other national governing bodies, membership organizations and the commercial world were considered. Every candidate, from inside the Federation or outside it, went through the same interviews, assessments and references. Sonja was the strongest fit for the role’s demands and what you told us you need."

Concluding his message, O’Mara highlighted Keating’s forward-looking approach: "Sonja came to the committee with a clear plan to communicate with you directly and regularly, to close the loop on issues you raise, and to advocate for and support our membership across every breed and discipline. Thank you to all of you for your voice in this process."

The appointment of Sonja Keating as CEO signifies a pivotal moment for US Equestrian, promising a leadership transition marked by continuity, member-centric governance, and a continued dedication to advancing the welfare and enjoyment of equestrian sport in the United States.