Our Executive Team
Leigh Anne Claywell
General Manager
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
More about Leigh Anne on LinkedIn
Leigh Anne is a multi-faceted executive with an extensive background in the equestrian world. Her prior experience with organizations such as USEF, USHJA, HITS and the Virginia Horse Center Foundation has led her to this exciting new role. She is an enthusiastic, visionary leader with over two decades of experience in the equestrian sports industry and excels at cultivating relationships with clients to understand their needs while providing unique service solutions for an overall superior client experience.
Leigh Anne is coming to Los Angeles from Kentucky with her two dogs, Cooper and Lily. She leaves behind her OTTB, Booker, to thrive on the “bluegrass” in Kentucky. A lifelong Dodgers and Lakers fan, she has always dreamed of living in LA, and says her theme song is “I Love LA”.
“It is a dream come true to be moving to Los Angeles to be the General Manager of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. I am so excited to lead the team charged with bringing this venue back to its former glory and to an even brighter future. It’s truly an honor to be here and to be a part of this community. I look forward to all the great things we will accomplish together!”
Jennie Nevin
Executive Director, Business Development & Communications
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
More about Jennie on LinkedIn
Jennie, an entertainment industry association executive, is a skilled rainmaker and networker. In her previous role as Executive Director/COO at the Themed Entertainment Association, she successfully led global teams, implemented re-branding and communications strategies, and created programs that secured millions in sponsorships and corporate partnerships. Her expertise in recovering and growing companies and leveraging organizational strengths established enduring relationships with industry leaders and fueled global growth.
She is a professional speaker, singer, and avid horsewoman. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Michael, their two dogs, Beau and Sydney, and their horse, Piaffe, who calls LAEC her home.
“I am thrilled to serve the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in my new role. I have been an LAEC boarder and dressage enthusiast for many years. I got back into riding via TES with beloved, Carol Derry and currently train with Nicole Weston Dressage. I can’t wait to achieve a new vision and bright future for all of us as LAEC equestrians.”
Kaelya Sommer
Executive Director, Equestrian Operations
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
Reach out to Kaelya via email
Kaelya, the Founder & CEO of Equeztrian, is an Equine Business Development and Equestrian Facility Executive. Her previous role was Equestrian Club Manager at Longfield Stables at Palmetto Bluff, a 173-acre multi-discipline equestrian facility in Bluffton, SC. She has extensive experience in equestrian event management, facility operations, and marketing. Kaelya established her career as a rider and trainer in Wellington.
She is originally from Saratoga Springs, New York, which inspired her love for off-the-track Thoroughbreds. She competed in the Retired Racehorse project in 2018 and hopes to return with another hopeful in the future. She relocated to Los Angeles in July with her husband, Chris, and their dogs, Finn and Daphne.
“I am honored to be a part of the team chosen to revitalize the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. I look forward to fostering a vibrant equestrian community and providing outstanding care for our equine residents. I am excited to learn about you and your horses and look forward to beginning this journey together.”
Lesa Williams
ASM Global, National Equestrian Director
More about Lesa on LinkedIn
Lesa Williams is a lifelong lover of equestrian sports and has brought that passion to the ASM Global team for 18+ years. Her resume includes pre-opening, consulting, management, site development, and expansion experience at equestrian/ multipurpose facilities in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors throughout the country. Years spent as an Eventing and Dressage competitor and dabbling in the Western disciplines shaped her vision to develop every facility with a focus on enhancing the user experience while positively impacting the communities where they are located.
Her horse journey continues on a private farm in Montpelier, VA, where she resides with her husband, three sons, two Jack Russells, and a menagerie of animals.
“My first visit to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center took place years ago. I was in awe of the facility and the community surrounding it. Flash forward, I am humbled to be a part of the change that will enhance this iconic venue.”
More About Our Staff
We have a robust team at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, meticulously chosen to best serve the needs of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and the center itself.