USEA Convention Program

26 convention speakers the reins, he has been dynamic in leading industr y research and setting new standards for safety technology. Roy has been recognized by ASTM and the British Horse Society for his contributions to safety research, and he has ser ved on the European Standards Committee and co-chaired the task group that sets ASTM standards. Roy's passion for research has led to groundbreaking discoveries regarding the variables that determine the severity of a fall and in concussion reduction. He has led Charles Owen to think outside the box in order to construct new materials and more accurate standards for helmets and body protectors. In addition to being an integral part of the design and production of Charles Owen and Airowear products, Roy travels internationally to present on the company's latest innovations. His recent acceptance of Honorar y Visiting Professor at the School of Engineering at Cardiff University will allow him to continue to share his wealth of knowledge with the riders who benefit directly from Charles Owen's commitment to keeping them safe. ROB BURK In December of 2015, Rob Burk took over as the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Eventing Association (USEA). Prior to his appointment as CEO, he ser ved as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Director of Programs for the USEA. Rob draws much of his experience from previous roles as an Executive Director and Senior Adviser within the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and as the Executive Director of a Governor appointed statewide equine industr y advisor y board and stable inspection/licensing program within the Mar yland Department of Agriculture. He has provided advice and guidance to four Secretaries of Agriculture and two Governors. Rob has evented throughout his life with notable success as a Young Rider in California. He graduated from Otterbein University with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinar y Medicine/ Pre-Graduate Equine Studies and earned a Master of Science from Virginia Tech. Rob, a graduate H-A Pony Clubber, attributes his successes to his upbringing through Pony Club and his trainers and mentors based in California, Ohio, Mar yland and Ireland as well as his family. GRETCHEN BUTTS Gretchen has a BS and MS in Nursing, as well as an MA in Management/Human Resources and spent 25 years as an Adult/Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner while gaining her vast experience in eventing. Gretchen's equestrian experience is broad: eventing competitor through the four-star level, event organizer at Waredaca since 1979, three- and four-star FEI International Event Technical Delegate and Eventing Judge, USEF Equestrian Eventing "S" Technical Delegate and Eventing Judge, FEI International Level 2 Steward, past member of the USEA Board of Governors and Vice President of Education, Chief Jump Judge for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, International Technical Official at the 2008 Olympic Games, Assistant Technical Delegate for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, contributing author to Eventing USA and past educational consultant to the Association. Gretchen is also a Level III ICP Certified Instructor and sits on several key U.S. Equestrian and U.S. Eventing Association committees. In her spare time, she is a long distance runner and avid sailor with husband, Robert on the Chesapeake Bay. They have two daughters, Steph, a Level II ICP Certified Instructor and graduate 'A' pony clubber with experience through the three-star level. She is part of the Waredaca staff, business team and co-owner of the Waredaca Brewing Company. Her younger sister, Devon, is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, currently practicing in Asheville N.C.

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