Day one on the job as the new Celebration CEO was busy for Dr. Doyle Meadows. Administrative Assistant Connie Nixon worked with him on his daily schedule. (TWHNC photo)

Monday was the first official day on the job for Dr. Doyle Meadows, the new chief executive officer of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and as the horse show season begins Meadows expects doesn't expect much downtime his first week.

"With the National Trainers' Show at Calsonic Arena this week, I plan on meeting and talking with as many people in our industry as possible," Meadows said. "This week will be busy, but it will be an awful lot of fun."

Meadows was the choice of the CEO Search Committee, and the Celebration Board of Directors confirmed his hiring in February. Meadows comes to The Celebration after a 20-year career with the University of Tennessee Extension Service.

"I'm very fortunate to be coming into an organization with a very strong staff in place," added Meadows. "Each one of them does an excellent job in their area and I will be relying on them to continue that. They are a big reason why this company has had the success it has had through the years."

Meadows began his first day by presiding over the weekly staff meeting and has other meetings scheduled, on and off the grounds, throughout the week.

"With St. Patrick's Day being my first day, I'll be happy to accept a little Irish luck," said Meadows. "It's going to be a busy week, but it's something I've been looking forward to and I'm glad I'm here."

Meadows follows long-time CEO Ron Thomas, who left under turbulent circumstances in November 2007. Virgil Johnson served as interim CEO.