Race chairman W. B. Dixon Stroud, Jr., and the Board of Directors of the Willowdale Steeplechase recently welcomed Elizabeth Hedley as the new executive director.

Hedley replaces retiring race director Leslie (White) Carpenter, who served for a total of almost 10 years. During her tenure, the Willowdale Steeplechase has developed into a world-class steeplechase event and contributions from sponsors and benefactors have grown significantly.

“We’re excited to have Elizabeth join us as the new leader of our Willowdale team,” said Stroud.  “Her efforts with Brandywine Polo over the past few years have produced terrific results and we expect her to have the same success with the Willowdale Steeplechase.”

Originally from Texas, Hedley has been working behind the scenes in the horse industry for over 20 years. From New York to Santa Barbara, Florida to Wyoming, her work experience with the United States Polo Association (USPA), the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with Gene Mische and the Palm Beach Steeplechase with Mark Bellissimo, plus her most recent endeavor with the Brandywine Polo Club, bring an eclectic perspective to coordinating equestrian events and generating revenue. 

"I am very honored to be offered this position with the Willowdale Steeplechase and will work hard to continue the successes Leslie Carpenter and the Willowdale team have generated over the years." Hedley said.

She will continue her work with Brandywine Polo and combine marketing efforts to benefit both organizations and their spectators.

In addition to the new executive director, Willowdale will also appoint a racing director who will complete the new management team.

The Willowdale Steeplechase is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which benefits the Stroud Water Research Center and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital’s New Bolton Center (Penn Vet).