The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation has hired Alexandra Harper as the organization's new executive director.
Reflecting on the impactful work of the KEEP Foundation in its Equine Workforce Initiative and an investment in broader education about the industry to more young Kentuckians, the KEEP Foundation Board of Directors have hired Alexandra Harper to build on these successes and further elevate the work of the organization across the Commonwealth.
Prior to joining the KEEP Foundation, Harper was the practice manager at Park Equine Hospital. She previously worked for the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) as the special programs manager, where she produced the 2019 ASHA Youth Conference which brought record-breaking attendance from the United States, and developed a continuing education program for members. In addition, she worked as the operations and communications coordinator for the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs, where she was involved with a number of education initiatives in the Thoroughbred, sport horse, and other equine disciplines. Harper originally hails from Charleston, WVa. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors of Arts in Corporate Communications and attained a Master of Business Administration from Midway University.
“I'm excited about taking the reins as executive director,” said Harper. “I look forward to taking the KEEP Foundation to the next level through enhanced fundraising efforts and educational events, continued workforce development initiative, and expanding the efforts toward making the industry more accessible. I've spent my entire professional and personal life in this industry and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish as we work together toward the common goal of a thriving and ever evolving Kentucky horse industry.”
“Since 2018, when the KEEP Foundation began working across the industry and in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center on the Equine Workforce Initiative, the Foundation has been at the center of the conversation in planning for the future of the horse industry in Kentucky and ensuring that that future is led by a homegrown workforce that provides economic impact in all 120 counties,” said Elisabeth Jensen, newly-elected chair of the KEEP Foundation board of directors. “The hiring of Alexandra Harper brings invaluable passion and experience that will allow the Foundation to meet the moment and excel beyond what we've been able to do before.”
In addition to hiring Harper, the KEEP Foundation added Price Bell and Reese Koffler-Stanfield to its Board of Directors. Bell is the General Manager of Mill Ridge Farm and Koffler-Stanfield is an international dressage rider, trainer, clinician, and owner of Maplecrest Farm.
The Board of Directors also elected officers for 2022. Elisabeth Jensen will serve as chair while continuing to manage the policy and legislative affairs of the KEEP Alliance. Katie LaMonica will serve as vice chair and Shannon Cobb will serve as treasurer.
Established in 2014, the KEEP Foundation is the charitable arm of the Kentucky Equine Education Project. Funded by horse industry participants and through the sale of the Seattle Slew specialty license plate, the KEEP Foundation seeks to support the continued economic success of the Kentucky horse industry by increasing access to the industry for more Kentuckians and educating Kentuckians about the industry and its career opportunities. In the coming year, the Foundation will continue to focus on its Equine Workforce Initiative, industry education events and outreach, and opportunities to spotlight and grow Kentucky's horse industry across the state.
The mission of the KEEP Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), established in 2014, is to support the economic success of Kentucky's signature industry by ensuring its continued economic viability, making the industry accessible for all who want to participate, introducing more young people to the industry and its opportunities, and educating the people of the Commonwealth about the importance of horses to the state, its economy, its heritage, and its people.
To learn more about the KEEP Foundation, visit www.thekeepfoundation.org
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