Bill Nelson
Executive Director

Nelson’s twenty years of service as a naval officer demonstrated his exceptional leadership and managerial capabilities. He previously served as the Executive Director for the Paso Fino Horse Association and the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, supporting thousands of members worldwide. Most recently, Bill served as State Programs Director for the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. In his new role as Executive Director, Nelson will oversee the Secretariat Center’s operations, utilizing his extensive executive experience to drive the organization’s mission of promoting and rehabilitating retired racehorses. His leadership will focus on ensuring the center’s long-term sustainability, expanding community outreach, and fostering advocacy efforts for Thoroughbred horses.

Anna Lowell
Equine Program Director and Trainer

Anna’s love for horses started when she was young, and by the time she turned 7, she couldn’t wait to start riding. Her parents thought it might just be a phase, but it quickly became a lifestyle. Growing up in Northern Illinois, she began showing in the Hunter/Jumper world and even got her first Thoroughbred, which sparked a lifelong passion for the breed.

Anna took her horse to college with her, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in equine teaching and training from Lake Erie College. After college, she moved to Texas, teaching lessons and working with her own group of training horses, including a very special Thoroughbred she bought straight off the track. With lots of patience and care, she trained him up to the National Derby level before finding him the perfect new home with a young rider, teaching her the ropes.

Anna has always had a soft spot for Thoroughbreds and loves being involved in their aftercare. “Watching them transition from the track, adapt to a whole new way of life, and eventually find their person and niche is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Caren Cartwright
Office Administrator

Caren grew up in the Northwest but discovered her passion for horses at the age of four during a visit to her aunt’s farm in Georgia. Her love for Thoroughbreds and horse racing took hold at ten when she watched the Kentucky Derby on TV for the first time.

She later moved to Kentucky to attend Midway College, attaining a degree in Equine Business. With extensive experience across various facets of the equine industry—including office administration, racetrack operations, and hands-on horse care at Thoroughbred farms—she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work.

Her own OTTB, Mugs (JC: Two Steppin Bob), became part of her family 20 years ago, deepening her commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare. Caren is passionate about helping OTTBs successfully transition into new careers and find their perfect forever homes.

Rosa Hislop
Marketing Assistant

Rosa is a recent Butler University graduate, earning her Bachelors of Arts. She grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, and developed a love for horses early on. Her parents picked the winning Kentucky Derby horse for her when she was a baby, and she kept the streak alive herself every year until 2024.

Rosa recently interned at the US Equestrian Federation where she focused on marketing and gained hands-on experience and knowledge in equine events and welfare. During her time at Butler, she built strong skills in marketing and media through her work with the Butler’s Community Engagement Program, where she planned campus events and created promotional content. Outside of her professional roles, Rosa is also a photographer. She enjoys capturing everything from senior and graduation portraits to athletes, and landscapes. She also helps clients grow their social media presence through content creation and strategy.

She’s excited to begin her career with the Secretariat Center and continue combining her passion for horses with her background in media and event planning.

Rachel Snyder

Facilities and Equine Manager

Rachel grew up in upstate New York where her love for horses started at a young age. She grew up in 4H, taking lessons and leasing horses until getting her first horse, an OTTB mare named Bella (JC name: Dead Flowers) at 16. That was when her passion for retraining OTTB’s started, and continued to increase into her college years. She graduated from SUNY Cobleskill in 2020 with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science, and an Associates Degree in Agricultural Business Management all while furthering her equine managing and training skills. She moved to Kentucky in 2021 and plans to continue to keep horses a large part of her life.