The World Games 2010 Foundation announced that Kathleen Spears has been selected as Director of Finance for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Spears brings to the Foundation her experience in public and industry accounting, with an emphasis in equine industry accounting and finance.

"We are very pleased to have Kathleen on board with our team," said Walter Herd, Chief Administrative Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation. "Her experience and knowledge in this industry makes her a valuable addition to the talented staff planning these Games."

Spears joins the Foundation from her recent position as Chief Financial Officer of Gaines Gentry Thoroughbreds, LLC, in Lexington, KY. She also previously worked as a tax consultant and CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, in Lexington, KY. Spears is the owner of Larkspur Farm, LLC, a hunter/jumper breeding operation and historic horse farm in Lexington.

"I am so honored to be a part of the 2010 Games team of professionals," said Spears. "As Director of Finance, I hope to meld my passions for horses and my accounting experience to be a strong contributor to this international event. This is such an exciting time for all Bluegrass residents and a great source of pride for all of Kentucky."

A native of Lexington, KY, Spears is a licensed CPA and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 25-October 10, 2010, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has made the largest network commitment to coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include the Rolex Company and an unprecedented $10 million title sponsor, Alltech. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 tickets will be sold for the 16-day competition.