Kaelya Sommer
Executive Director
Legends Global, Los Angeles Equestrian Center
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Kaelya Sommer serves as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, providing executive leadership and oversight for the day-to-day operations of one of Southern California’s premier equestrian facilities. In her role, she oversees facility operations, equestrian activities, events, staff, clients, and the Center’s extensive grounds and amenities, helping ensure that the 75-acre facility operates at the highest level for competitors, exhibitors, event organizers, and the community.
An experienced equestrian facility executive, Kaelya brings a strong background in equestrian operations, event management, facility management, and marketing. Before joining the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, she was the Founder & CEO of Equeztrian and served as Equestrian Club Manager at Longfield Stables at Palmetto Bluff, a 173-acre multi-disciplinary equestrian facility in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Kaelya established her career as a rider and trainer in Wellington, Florida, one of the world’s leading equestrian communities. Originally from Saratoga Springs, New York, she developed a particular passion for off-the-track Thoroughbreds. In 2018, she competed in the Retired Racehorse Project and hopes to return to the competition with another hopeful in the future.
Her career combines a lifelong passion for horses with extensive experience leading equestrian facilities and creating exceptional environments for horses, riders, competitors, and guests.
“I am honored to lead the team here at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, hosting thousands of visitors each year. I’m dedicated to fostering a vibrant equestrian community and providing outstanding care for our equine residents.”
Executive Director,
Business Development & Communications
Legends Global, Los Angeles Equestrian Center
More about Jennie on LinkedIn
Jennie Nevin
Jennie Nevin is an executive leader, communications strategist, partnership builder, and public spokesperson whose career spans equestrian sport, entertainment, media, and live experiences.
Jennie leads the marketing and communications team and oversees sponsorships, business development, public relations, brand development, and community engagement. She has helped rebrand and elevate the Center while developing partnerships with John Deere, Pepsi, and LAist/NPR, and building strong relationships with the City of Los Angeles, City of Burbank, Burbank Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Burbank.
Jennie serves as the Center’s public spokesperson, representing the Los Angeles Equestrian Center across local, national, and global media, including KTLA Channel 5 alongside William Shatner for the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, and Fox News, BBC, and KCAL 9 during the Los Angeles wildfires, when the Center became an evacuation site for hundreds of animals.
“I am thrilled to serve the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, our mission, and our community. This is truly a magical place, and I’m excited about our bright future and creating experiences and memories here that will last a lifetime.”
Lesa Williams
Legends Global,
Equestrian Director
More about Lesa on LinkedIn
Lesa Williams is a lifelong advocate for equestrian sports and has carried that passion to a career focused on improving those venues. A member of the ASM Global team for 20+ years, beginning at LAEC in 2022. Her resume includes pre-opening, consulting, management and operations, site development and expansion at equestrian/multipurpose facilities in the private, public and non-profit sectors throughout the country. She operated her own training facility in Unionville, PA, and was a competitor in the Eventing, Dressage and Showjumping disciplines. After managing a venue in Florida, she had the opportunity to pursue the western disciplines. These experiences have shaped her vision to develop and operate event facilities with a focus on safety for the animals on site, 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 changes that are enhancing 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.