Stierhoff, Mullins added to NSA board
By Tod Marks, Photos by Tod Marks
The National Steeplechase Association has filled the remaining two vacancies on its board of directors with a familiar name from the Maryland timber circuit and a top executive with one of the NSA’s historic Southern meets.
The appointments of James Stierhoff and Frank Mullins, made by NSA President Al Griffin and his executive committee, restore the board to its full complement of 15 members, who are charged with overseeing the regulation of steeplechase racing in the U.S., and managing the business side of the Association. The duo was named to fill out the terms of two members who had resigned in 2022.
Stierhoff is a retired amateur jockey best known for his partnership with dual Maryland Hunt Cup winner Twill Do. A partner and portfolio manager at Brown Advisory, he co-chaired the Green Spring Point to Point Committee and served on the Board of the Maryland Steeplechase Association for many years. More recently, Stierhoff was named co-chairman of the committee that runs the Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs, a group of young professionals from the Maryland racing and business communities that was assembled to ensure the future of the meet by appealing to new fans and making the race-day experience better for existing ones.
A native of Augusta, Ga., Mullins graduated from college in 1984 and began working in commercial and residential real estate development. During his career he developed, capitalized, and managed projects for various clients, including federal agencies, hospitals, banks, and large private corporations. During this time, Mullins also partnered with his brother, Dr. Fred Mullins, on many business ventures within and outside the medical spectrum. Mullins also manages a family-owned private equity portfolio.
Horses are a significant part of Mullins’ life, and last summer he succeeded Paul Sauerborn as president of the Aiken Steeplechase Association, which conducts racing at a brand new facility along Richland Avenue West. The venue, which is around double the size of the previous facility, had its debut in 2022, hosting a pair of well-attended meets, in the Spring and Fall, and once again will be the launching pad for the 2023 NSA Season on March 25.
Mullins, an Aiken resident, is also an NSA owner, longtime polo player, and a member of the U.S. Polo Association and Aiken Polo Club. Before becoming president of the Aiken Steeplechase Association, he was a board member.