Hoofcare & Lameness received word today that Michael J. Nolan, acting executive director of the American Farrier's Association in Lexington, KY, has resigned.
"I have submitted my resignation effective January 15," was Nolan's only comment when contacted today.
He later added by email, "There is a critical need for an AFA, since no other organizations can offer what AFA can. However, there is so much animosity, so little trust, and so many structural problems that it is going to be very difficult to get back on the right track.
"Still, the AFA has been through very bad situations in the past and survived, and I hope it can do so again. The AFA is very important for the welfare of all farriers, and I regret that there was so little progress during my brief time in the office."
No news yet on how his departure will affect the AFA or who will assume administrative leadership. AFA President Dave Ferguson has been contacted for a statement, but we have no comment from him as yet.
Nolan took the reins of the AFA office last spring on a temporary assignment, and then extended the agreement until the AFA Convention in February, when the organization hoped to have a permanent executive director in place.
Presumably more details will be announced by the AFA next week, when the office re-opens.
Let's hope 2007 is a better year for the AFA. Hoofcare & Lameness wishes Mike Nolan the best for his future endeavors.
