Elections
2026 April Special Elections
The Norwegian Fjord Horse Alliance (NFHA) announces a Special Election to fill 2 vacancies on the Board of Directors created by 2 resignations. The candidate receiving the most votes will fill the term expiring on March 31, 2029. The candidate receiving the second most votes will fill the term expiring on March 31, 2027. In accordance with NFHA policy, these vacancies will be filled by a membership vote. We encourage all eligible members to consider running and participating in this important process. Special Election Timeline •April 8 – First Election Notice & Nominations Open •April 18 – Membership Cut-off Date (dues must be current) •April 18 – Nominations Close •April 20 – Second Election Notice & Candidate Information Released •April 24 – Third Election Notice & Announcement that voting is open •April 24-May 1 – Voting Period (Election Buddy) •May 1 – Election Closes •May 2 - Results Announced Eligibility & Voting •Members 18 years of age and older, who are in good standing, may vote •Membership must be current by the cut-off date •Voting will be conducted securely through Election Buddy Candidate Information – Using https://www.fjordalliance.org/candidate-application, candidates will be asked to submit: •A nomination statement •A photo (optional video welcome) Candidate materials will be shared on the NFHA website, provided to members via email, and included with the Election Buddy ballot. Important Notes •All Board positions must be filled by member vote •Even if only one or two candidates are nominated, an election will still be held •If you are interested in running or would like to nominate someone, please submit nominations by April 18. For questions, please contact Erica Walker at membership@fjordalliance.org or Curtis Pierce at secretary@fjordalliance.org.
Candidates for April Special Election
Marki Palmer
Bio - Norwegian Fjords have been part of my life since my family got our first one in 2000. I grew up showing them in 4-H, where I built my foundation in horsemanship and gained valuable experience working with my Fjords. I also spent several years as a 4-H leader, working with youth and helping them develop their horsemanship and confidence.
Today, I’m involved in our family farm, Raabe Raven Ridge Fjords, helping with the daily care and management of our horses. I’m also a farrier and an equine massage therapist, so I work with horses every day and have a strong understanding of their health, movement, and overall care.
For over 15 years, I’ve helped promote the Norwegian Fjord horse at expos and events like the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo and Equine Affaire. I enjoy connecting with people, answering questions, and sharing what makes the fjord so versatile and dependable. I care about keeping the breed strong and supporting it through education, hands-on experience, and a connected community.
Statement - The Norwegian Fjord has been a steady part of my life and our family farm for many years. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with them in a variety of ways — showing in 4-H, promoting them at expos and events, and being involved in their daily care and management.
My experience comes from being hands-on and involved long term. For over 15 years, I’ve helped promote the Norwegian Fjord horse at events like the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo and Equine Affaire, and I’ve seen how important it is to educate people and keep the breed visible and understood.
I believe the strength of this breed comes from both its history and the people behind it. Moving forward, I think it’s important to continue supporting responsible breeding, encouraging youth involvement, and promoting the versatility of the Fjord in all areas — whether that’s driving, riding, or everyday use.
I value clear communication, respect within the community, and leadership that is steady and willing to listen. I’m not afraid to step in, put in the work, and be part of moving things forward in a positive way.
I’m running because I care about this breed and want to help support its future while staying true to what makes the Norwegian Fjord so special.
Tom Snyder
Bio - I believe my experience positions me to make meaningful contributions to the board in service of our members. I bring more than 40 years of leadership in managing government and private-sector programs and projects, with extensive expertise in planning, budgeting, and operations.
Throughout my career, I have served as both a member and leader of diverse boards, teams, and panels at local, agency, interagency, national, and international levels. I led the communications team for a major federal statistical agency for two decades and spent 35 years directing complex statistical initiatives within the federal government. In addition, I chaired a major international committee comprising representatives from 35 countries for over five years, strengthening my ability to build consensus and guide collaborative decision-making.
Equally important, I bring 25 years of direct involvement in the Fjord horse community as a breeder and co-owner of a related horse business. I have supported the breed by co-hosting six NFHR Fjord horse evaluations—nearly half of those conducted over the past two decades. Our farm has demonstrated the versatility of Fjord horses through participation in dressage and eventing competitions, as well as in the annual Culpeper County Farm Tour to promote awareness of the breed.
I approach leadership with a strong work ethic, openness to new ideas, and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
Statement - I bring a strong record of leadership, collaboration, and results across business, government, communications, and statistical operations. I have worked on complex interagency and international teams where success depended on consensus-building, clear communication, and practical problem-solving.
As a Fjord horse breeder with two decades of experience, I also bring hands-on knowledge of equine business operations, competitions, and breed evaluations. I understand the real-world financial and operational challenges faced by horse owners and breeders, including those specific to Fjord horses. While interest in horses remains strong, overall ownership is declining. NFHA must respond by strengthening engagement, expanding membership, and improving how we communicate the value and versatility of the Fjord horse to current and future owners.
Through our work with Culpeper County, we have expanded breed awareness through demonstrations, riding instruction, and farm open houses. Our long involvement in riding, draft, and driving competitions has shown the importance of public visibility in building appreciation for the breed.
Going forward, NFHA should focus on stronger support for members, expanded educational and competitive opportunities, and strategic partnerships that enhance resources and visibility. If elected, I will prioritize transparency, collaboration, and practical action to help NFHA grow as a strong, responsive organization for Fjord horse owners, breeders, and enthusiasts.
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2027 Election Announcement
Our next regular election is in 2027. This election will select three (3) new board members to join the current six (6) members on the NFHA Board of Directors. The new board members will chosen by a majority vote of the NFHA members in good standing.
Nomination & Election Timeline
***Applicants who apply before nominations are opened will be accepted and reconfirmed prior to the closing date. The closing date is firm and any nominations placed after the closing date will be held until the next election cycle.
Who Can Serve on the Board of Directors?
Any NFHA member whose membership dues are paid in full for the election year are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors with few exceptions.
We encourage anyone interested to apply for the openings. Our Board would benefit from candidates of all ages with experience related but not limited to marketing, fundraising, communications, and finances. The Board is casting a wide net and asks anyone who is interested to submit a nomination. Here is our online candidate application form.
See our Bylaws Article III, Membership and Article V, Board of Directors for more information.
How Much Work Is Involved?
We’re excited to invite members to consider joining the NFHA Board! Your expertise and feedback are crucial as we work to promote and educate others about the Norwegian Fjord horse. As a board member, you’ll help steer our new organization, attending monthly Zoom meetings (with one quarterly meeting with the membership) and contributing 3 to 5 hours a month to board and committee work. We value diverse opinions and foster a collegial environment. Please note, it’s a 3-year commitment.
What is the Election Process?
Nominations for the Board Open*** | 01/01/2027 |
Cut-off Date for Eligible Voters | 01/31/2027 |
Nominations for the Board close | 01/31/2027 |
Voting Opens | 02/15/2027 |
Voting Closes | 02/28/2027 |
Election Results Announced | 03/01/2027 |
New Board Members Seat/Terms Start | 04/01/2027 |
We vote electronically through ElectionBuddy.com, a secure and confidential online platform that can be accessed by our members from anywhere in the world. It is critical that we have your correct email address on file in order to send you an electronic ballot. Family memberships get two ballots -- if a second separate email is not provided then two separate ballots will be sent to the primary email address. All ballots have a secure and unique log-in key, so they only maybe voted once. Only members who have paid 2027 dues by January 31, 2027, will be eligible to vote in our upcoming annual election. More information on our election and how it will work on ElectionBuddy.com will be forthcoming closer to the election period.
If you have questions about the election or election process please contact the Board of Directors at secretary@fjordalliance.org.