IHSA LEADERSHIP

The IHSA is governed by a national board of directors, which consists of the executive committee, zone chairs, regional presidents and directors–at–large who set national policies, make rule changes and develop new programs. The executive committee is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the association and its policies.

Founder

BOB CACCHIONE

Robert “Bob” Cacchione founded the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association in 1967, an organization that has profoundly impacted the college experience of hundreds of thousands of college students across North America. As executive director for 52 years, Cacchione proudly led the IHSA, shaking the hands of every competitor at the IHSA National Championship and working tirelessly alongside board members who have become lifelong friends.

Cacchione has been recognized for his commitment to college riding with the USHJA President’s Distinguished Service Award, US Equestrian/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award, a Doctor of Humane Letters from Centenary University, and the American Horse Publications Equine Industry Vision Award. He was honored with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. In 2019, USHJA presented him with the William J. Moroney Visionary Award. In 2020, Cacchione was inducted into the IHSA Hall of Fame.

He stepped down from the executive director role in 2019 and now serves as founder emeritus.

Executive Committee

  • PETER CASHMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


    In 1986, Peter Cashman and his wife, Sherry, began coaching the IHSA hunter seat and Western teams at the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA). As part of their duties, they also managed the care and appearances of the USMA’s beloved mascot mules.

    Over the years, the Cashmans transformed every aspect of USMA’s equestrian program— from securing top-quality horses to leading fundraising efforts that culminated in the opening of a state-of-the-art equestrian center in April 2020.

    Upon his retirement in 2024, the Department of the Army presented Cashman with the Superior Civilian Service Medal, the U.S. Army's highest civilian honor.

    Cashman has served on the IHSA board of directors executive committee and multiple committees over the years and was elected executive director upon the retirement of founder Bob Cacchione in 2019. In 2010, he was awarded the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

  • KELLY FRANCFORT, VICE PRESIDENT


    Kelly Francfort is the longtime coach of the Rutgers University Equestrian Team and a dedicated leader within the IHSA. A member of the IHSA board for more than 20 years, she has served as a regional president and zone chair and currently chairs the public relations committee.

    Elected vice president of the IHSA in 2017, Francfort also oversees the Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF), which provides scholarships to deserving collegiate riders nationwide.

    Under her guidance, the Rutgers University Equestrian Team has flourished, capturing five Regional High-Point Team titles and producing numerous riders who have advanced to the IHSA National Championship. In 2011, she was recognized by the Rutgers Alumni Association as a "Loyal Daughter of Rutgers."

    In 2006, she coordinated the IHSA National Championship and was named IHSA Sportsmanship Coach of the Year. In 2020, she was honored with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Zone Chairs &Regional Presidents

The organization is divided into eight geographic zones; zone chairs oversee the activities in each zone.
Each zone is divided into four or five regions. Regional presidents are elected by the coaches in each region and are responsible for all regional records, organization and planning, and act as a liaison between the colleges of that region and the association.

ZONE 1

ZONE 2

ZONE 3

ZONE 4

ZONE 5

ZONE 6

ZONE 7

ZONE 8

Western Areas

Western teams are organized into Western Areas, which are named by combining the Zone and Region numbers. If all regions in a zone compete together, the area is listed with the zone number and a "0". The Western coaches in the area elect Western representatives. In some cases, the Regional President is also the Western Representative.

Directors-At-Large

  • EDDIE FEDERWISCH

  • CHRIS MITCHELL

  • KELLI WAINSCOTT

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