Sweezey departs Darby Dan, Elser steps in as sales director
T. Wayne Sweezey, who had been a managing partner of Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, is no longer with the company.
A farm statement says Sweezey departed Darby Dan on June 30 to pursue other interests. Sweezey managed the farm and sales division. He joined Darby Dan as director of sales in 1990.
John Phillips, previously the other managing partner, is now listed as Darby Dan’s owner.
Kip Elser, a top two-year-old consignor operating under the Kirkwood Stables banner, will step in as Darby Dan’s interim sales director.
Elser said he has worked with the farm in various capacities for nearly two decades.
“This is a comfortable fit for me and a great opportunity to be closely involved with one of the legacy farms of the Bluegrass,” Elser said.
Darby Dan also promoted Nate Heiple to farm manager. Previously the assistant farm and broodmare manager, Heiple has been working at Darby Dan since 2004.