Lincoln, Nebraska (January 25, 2002) - Sarah Jane Martin has resigned as Executive Director of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), effective January 18, 2002. "On behalf of the Executive Board, I would like to thank Sarah Jane for her dedicated service in overseeing the operation of the USDF office since October 2000. During this period, she has upgraded our capability in information technology and led the way for continued improvements. She has strengthened USDF's investment portfolio and has made important contributions to the development of a memorandum of understanding between USDF and USA Equestrian. Sarah Jane's understanding of the sport of dressage, and how USDF works, has proved very helpful in implementing USDF's programs and providing services to our members. I am very pleased that she has agreed to continue to serve USDF, as a consultant, and lead the development of our new database system," said USDF President Sam Barish.

Dan Brown has been named Acting Executive Director, and Regine Scheck-Seberger has been appointed Acting Deputy Executive Director, effective January 21, 2002. Dan has served as the Director of Administration and Human Resources and, as Chairman of the Moving Committee, is managing the relocation of the USDF office to Lexington, KY in May 2002. He earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, and joined USDF in 1998. Regine has been the Convention and Events Director, and has planned and implemented USDF Annual Conventions, National Symposiums, and Trainers' Conferences. She earned a B.A. degree in Business and Economics from Staatliche Berufsoberschule in Wuerzburg, Germany, and joined USDF in 1996.

The following Search Committee for the New Executive Director has been formed: Miki Christophersen - Chairman (KS), Sam Barish (MD), Lisa Gorretta (OH), Loris Henry (CA), and Ellie Millard (FL). An advertisement for the position will appear on several web sites (including USDF's) and newspapers. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 1, 2002.