Marianne Byrd - Model Behavior Award 2024

If you were to ask Marianne Byrd to describe her service as president of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee, she would tell you the historic racing event has been a major part of her life — not just a volunteer position. After 55 years volunteering with the Steeplechase in various roles, from outrider to patrol judge to placing judge to race committee coordinator, she was more than prepared to step into her current role eight years ago. 

The magnificent Iroquois Steeplechase courses through her veins. Her great-uncle, Ed Potter, with the help of the Depression era Works Progress Administration, was instrumental in organizing and building the track for the first Iroquois Steeplechase held in 1941. Her father, Albert Menefee Jr., worked on a crew that built the stone terraces for the original box seats before he went on to win one of the minor races in 1950. Her mother, Valere, supported steeplechase racing through volunteer work, even welcoming Princess Anne when she came to race here in 1987. It is no wonder their daughter leads a community of dedicated horsemen today.

“I nominated Marianne Byrd, because she embodies the spirit of dedication and service that will truly make a difference,” says Autumn Eklond, chief marketing officer and brand manager of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “Her unwavering commitment to making Nashville a better place is evident in every endeavor she undertakes. She is not only a great listener and a woman of influence, but also puts her heart and soul into everything she is involved in, inspiring us all.”

The Iroquois touches on the history of Nashville and its recovery from the Great Depression. 

Fast-forward to today, when the organization supports the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, to the tune of more than $11 million so far. It also donates funds to Friends of Warner Parks and other equine organizations. “Our charge is to put on a world-class horse race, raise funds for a worthy charity, and to have fun doing it,” explains Marianne. “Our dream is to build an investment fund to support and self-insure the event and the historic track for the future.” With Marianne in charge, not even the sky is the limit.

Photo by Tausha Dickinson

Dress: Jude Connally (Dillard’s)

Bracelets: Margaret Ellis Jewelry

Earrings: Margaret Ellis Jewelry

Model Behavior: Marianne Byrd | People + Places | nfocusmagazine.com