A three-member executive committee has been appointed by the Celebration Board of Directors to assist Interim CEO Virgil Johnson, according to board chairman David L. Howard. The committee will consist of board members Charles McDonald, John T. Bobo and Howard.

McDonald is the current vice-chairman while Bobo is the past chairman and Howard the current chairman.

"Our board has complete confidence in Virgil's ability to run the everyday operations of The Celebration," said Howard. "This executive committee will be a group he can lean on for advice on any particular issue, or issues, he feels necessary."

Johnson was appointed to the interim post last Friday and began his duties on Monday.

Johnson has a long relationship with The Celebration. He was elected to the TWHNC Association in 1991 and Celebration Board of Directors in 1993. He served as its chairman in 2002-03, before reaching the board's mandatory retirement age. He was also inducted into the Celebration Hall of Fame in 2004.

A native of Minnesota, Johnson and his family moved to Shelbyville in 1970 to manage the Jostens manufacturing facility.

A search committee is currently being formed to find a permanent replacement for Ron Thomas. The board is hopeful that a new CEO can be named in 60-90 days.

The Celebration was founded in 1939. The 70th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is scheduled for Aug. 20-30, 2008.