The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has named Karrie Patterson of Denver, Colorado, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Association.

Patterson brings to the APHA 25 years of experience in the marketing and communications field. She has developed successful marketing strategies for a variety of public and private companies including government-focused and non-profit organizations, with extensive experience in strategic marketing, brand development, advertising, publications, technical and promotional writing, events and sponsorship.

Most recently she served as Director of Marketing and Communications for AutoMon, LLC, a software technology firm, where she developed and implemented brand strategies, advertising, websites and customer service initiatives. Prior to AutoMon, Patterson worked in the commercial real estate industry leading the marketing efforts for a variety of shopping centers for nearly two decades. Patterson received the Certified Marketing Director certification from the International Council of Shopping Centers as well as industry recognition for budget enhancement and marketing excellence in the event and sponsorship arenas.

Growing up in a ranching family Patterson has roots in the livestock industry, and also served as Executive Vice President for the American National CattleWomen, Inc. for two years. The family ranch, PP Bar Land and Livestock in Fort Collins, Colorado has been an APHA member since 1978, and has bred, raised and registered over 500 Paint horses and shown Paints, including halter and Western pleasure champions, at local, regional and national shows.

“APHA is excited to have one of our members step into this position with not only the background in marketing, but also the knowledge of our Paint horse industry,” said Lex Smurthwaite, APHA Executive Director. “We feel that combination will serve the Association well as we develop and implement our strategic plans to advance APHA’s mission.”

Patterson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and telecommunications from the University of Wyoming.

More About APHA

Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 30,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 981,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded 48 years ago, and serves approximately 85,000 active members around the world. APHA, a non-profit organization, prides itself on community involvement and educating the public about the beauty and talent of the breed. Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of Paint Horses. For more information, visit the Association’s website at http://apha.com/  or call (817) 834-APHA (2742).