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Meet Our Board

Brian
Elsey

President

Kevin
Black

Vice President

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2023

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Alma Mater: Arizona State, University of Phoenix & Grand Canyon University

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What led you to Horses Help: I joined Horses Help over a decade ago with the Phoenix JC Comancheros. In 2022, I served as Chairman and delivered mail by horseback from Phoenix to Prescott as part of the Pony Express.

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Fun Fact: I'm part of a rodeo & ranching family.

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Business/Profession: Retired Chief Program Development Division, US Bureau of Reclamation

Biography

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2010

 

Alma Mater: Ohio State University

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What led you to Horses Help: An a-ha moment from Mutual of Omaha left me wanting to give back to the community.

 

Fun Fact: When I first started volunteering at Horses Help, I was afraid of horses.

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Business/Profession: L.C. Financial Services - Financial Planner

Biography

Katie
Warner

Secretary

Year joined the Horses Help team: In 2015, I joined the Vision Committee. Officially joined the board in 2017.

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Alma Mater: Northern Arizona University; Phoenix School of Law.

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What led you to Horses Help: I was 

sharing office space with Brian, the president. He took my law firm and I to the 2012 Barn Bash. 

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Fun Fact: Played soccer in high school for the United States Junior National Team in Australia.

Biography

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Heather
Gordon

Treasurer

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2013

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Alma Mater: University of San Diego, Chico State, Xavier College Prep

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What led you to Horses Help: My sister volunteered at Horses Help in high school. I wanted to give back to my community when I moved back home.

 

Fun Fact: I enjoy snowboarding, boating, hiking and scuba diving as well as spending time with my my husband, 2 children and  black lab.

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Business/Profession: CPA

Biography

Toni
Manley

Director

Tammara
Edgin

Director

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2018

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Alma Mater: Central College, Pella IA

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What led you to Horses Help: A lifelong love of horses and an incredible desire to make our world a better place.

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Fun Fact: Way back when, Buck (my quarter horse) and I qualified in barrel racing at the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals.

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Business/Profession: Business consultant and SAP product manager at EY

Biography

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2022

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Alma Mater: NAU

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What led you to Horses Help: Horses Help's mission deeply resonates with me. After years on the sidelines, I've wholeheartedly joined the organization.

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Fun Fact: I held titles as Phoenix Rodeo Queen, Flagstaff Rodeo Queen, and Miss Turquoise Circuit. I'm also a mother to four, a grandmother to six, and a great-grandmother to one.

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Business/Profession: Technology

Biography

Lisa
Gialanella

Director

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2021

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Alma Mater: University of Arizona, California Institute of Integral Studies

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What led you to Horses Help: Friends, Horses, my passion for philanthropy.

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Fun Fact: I collect Fiestaware and I love to garden.

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Business/Profession: Management and Technology Consultant

Biography

Megan
Jefferies

Director

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Cierra
Geyer

Director

Dan
Hinkson

Director

Year joined the Horses Help team: 2010

 

Alma Mater: ASU, Rockhurst College

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What led you to Horses Help: I had an employee who sustained a TBI from a car accident. Her results from incorporating equine movement into therapy was amazing and inspiring!

 

Fun Fact: My wife and I love water! Boating, house boats, diving - as often as possible.

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Business/Profession: Founding Partner of Sigma Contracting

Biography

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2010

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Alma Mater: ASU, Rockhurst College

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What led you to Horses Help: I had an employee who sustained a TBI from a car accident. Her results from incorporating equine movement into therapy was amazing and inspiring!

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Fun Fact: My wife and I love water! Boating, house boats, diving - as often as possible.

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Business/Profession: Founding Partner of Sigma Contracting

Biography

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2024

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Alma Mater: University of Arizona, Midwestern University

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What led you to Horses Help: I was led to HH after attending the Barn Bash and wanted to do my part to give back.

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Fun Fact: I can make balloon animals!

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Business/Profession: Equine Veterinarian

Biography

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George
Kiley

Director

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Year joined the Horses Help team: 2016

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Alma Mater: Ithaca College, Springfield College, University of Maine

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What led you to Horses Help: Two of my grandchildren participated in Horses Help programs and I wanted to give back to that community.

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Fun Fact: I'm a Cowboy Mounted Shooter

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Business/Profession: Consultant for Ethics & Leadership Training, Retired Superintendent 

Biography

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