BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEAN ALFORTISH
Position: President / Chairman
Email: lahbpa@lahbpa.org
Resides: Kenner, La.
Thank you for your confidence and vote for a second term as your President of the Louisiana HBPA. I am an attorney in Kenner La. as well as a third generation horse owner. I currently own, breed and race Louisiana Bred Thoroughbred and Quarter-horses only in Louisiana. I currently serve as Director of the HBPA Workers Compensation Program, Director of Simulcasting, and serve on the following boards; Medical, Pension, Finance, Horsemen’s alliance, Political Action Committee, Bylaws Committee and the Race Dates Committee.
My goal as President is (If you can answer Yes to the following questions):
- Are purses better today in Louisiana?
- Are the (Medical, Worker’s Comp., Pension) Benefits better today for members in Louisiana?
- Are the backside conditions better today in Louisiana?
THEN I HAVE DONE MY JOB as President of the HBPA and
we are a Successful Team!
MONA ROMERO
Position: Executive Director
Email: mromero@lahbpa.org
Resides: Metairie, La.
I was honored in 2005 to have been selected by President Sean Alfortish and the Board of Directors to serve as Executive Director and the approval of the 2008 Board of Directors for a second term was truly a vote of confidence in my service during the 2005 term. I served on the founding committee for the HBPA Workers Compensation Insurance Company which created the HBPA Workers Compensation Insurance Program and the Horsemen’s Insurance Alliance, Segregated Portfolio Company (HIA,SPC). It is very exciting to be a part of the most progressive times in the HBPA history. I have particularly enjoyed our work at Louisiana's Capitol among our Legislative friends who have allowed us the many benefits we enjoy today. During our term alone our Legislature has granted us the ability to build a worker’s compensation program and the opportunity to build a meaningful pension program for so many deserving horsemen. I love and believe in my work for the horsemen and I am always available to you at all times 24/7, ask anyone who has ever needed my services, my cell phone is always answered. For 33 years in the business, I have always been known as someone you can count on to go the extra mile to help my fellow horsemen, this will never change.
LARRY ROBIDEAUX, JR.
Position: 1st Vice President / Trainer
Email: robido@suddenlink.net
Resides: Bossier City, La.
I have been a trainer since 1960 and I have served on the board under four different Presidents for a total of 20 years; the last three years as 1st Vice President to Sean Alfortish. I proud to serve again this term as your 1st Vice President, the President’s Executive Committee, Chairman of the Medical Trust and serve on the race dates Committee.
CARROL CASTILLE
Position: 2nd Vice President / Owner
Email: ccastille@completetowersources.com
Resides: Carencro, La.
A life time resident of the Lafayette area, horseracing was always a part of my life. Presently, I own over 100 head of race horses, and breeding stock. The purchase of Evangeline Training Center and the building of Ranch Outlet was to provide a “one stop shop” for horsemen. I currently serve on the HIA,SPC Workers Compensation Board, the President’s Executive Committee, the Horsemen’s Political Action Committee and Chairman of the Backside Committee for the Evangeline Downs Training Center.
BILL HOF
Position: Secretary Treasurer
Email: lahbpa@lahbpa.org
Resides: New Orleans, La
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JIM GELPI
Position: Legal Council
Email: lahbpa@lahbpa.org
Resides: New Orleans, La.
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EVELYN BENOIT
Position: Owner
Email: benoitmg@msn.com
Resides: New Orleans, La.
My husband, Maurice and I have dedicated ourselves to improving racing in Louisiana. We have bred horses to such stallions as Grand Slam, Quiet American and Gulch to name a few. All are bred to Louisiana mares and foaled in Louisiana. I was honored recently to be named Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeder of the Year awarded by the LTBA. I currently serve on the Finance Committee and the Horsemen’s Alliance Political Action Committee. Thank you for the chance to serve the HBPA.
CHRISTINE EARLY
Position: Owner
Email: cde5331@hotmail.com
Resides: Folsom, La.
I am currently serving my fifth term on the HBPA Board of Directors. With thirteen years experience to offer, I currently serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Member of the President’s Executive Committee, Bylaws Committee, Horsemen’s Political Action Committee, and a Medical Trustee. I am always eager to listen and help in any way that I can be of assistance to the horsemen.
WILLIAM R. “BILLY” FOREMAN
Position: Owner
Email: jbforeman@aol.com
Resides: DeRidder, La.
I have been in the race horse business for over 15 years, and currently have both thoroughbred and quarter horses in training. I have served on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association and was a charter member of the Quarter Horse Racing Association of Louisiana. I currently serve as a Management Trustee on the Plumbers and Pipefitters Pension Board. I currently serve on the Pension Trust Committee, Chairman Bylaw Committee, and the Race Dates Committee. I will make all decisions for the greater good of the racing industry, that you can count on!
DON HARGRODER
Position: Owner
Email: dhargroder2001@yahoo.com
Resides: Abbeville, La.
I am an owner and breeder of Louisiana thoroughbred racehorses. For many years I have primarily owned and operated auto dealerships throughout southern Louisiana and currently employ over 500 employees. However, my true passion is horseracing. As a board member of the LAHBPA I currently serve on the Bylaws Committee, the Race Dates Committee and the Finance Committee. I have invested in this industry and will always do what is best for the industry as a whole.
KEITH BOURGEOIS
Position: Trainer
Email: katiebourgeois@hotmail.com
Resides: Lafayette, La.
I would like to begin by thanking you for giving me the opportunity to serve Louisiana Horsemen as a Director for the past three years and electing me for a second term as Director. I actively serve on the President’s Executive Committee, the Pension Trust Committee and the Evangeline Downs Training Center Committee.
SAM BREAUX
Position: Trainer
Email: sam.breaux@yahoo.com
Resides: New Iberia, La.
My grandfather played a major role in my choice to become a trainer some 27 years ago. I am serving my first term on the HBPA Board of Directors. I currently serve as a Medical and Pension Trustee and serve on the Backside Committee for Evangeline Downs and the Evangeline Downs Training Center.
SAM B. DAVID, JR.
Position: Trainer
Email: sdavid1217@aol.com
Resides: Bossier City, La.
After serving on the Board of Directors of the HBPA., the last three years, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of our President, Majority of the board, and the staff of the LAHBPA. Thank you for re-electing me for a second term. I will once again serve as Chairman of the Pension Trust, President’s Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Hearing Committee, Race Dates Committee and the Backside Committee at LaDowns and the Fair Grounds.
GERALD ROMERO
Position: Trainer
Email: gromero156@aol.com
Resides: Metairie, La.
Thank you for your vote and trust in me to serve as a director for the 2005 term and to serve you once again during the 2008 term. The Worker’s Compensation Program is proof positive that with hard work and determination the HBPA can and will continue to meet the needs of Louisiana horsemen. I currently serve on the President’s Executive Committee, Bylaw Committee, Finance Committee, Hearing Committee and serve on the Medical Board as a Trustee. Racing is good in Louisiana, our purses are up, our medical program has grown in membership, yet we have been able to sustain a raise in benefits which are at an all time high.