The Kentucky Horse Education Project (KEEP) has hired Alexandra Harper as its new Executive Director.
Reflecting the KEEP Foundation’s good work in the Equal Workforce Initiative and investing in broader industry education for more young people in Kentuck, the KEEP Foundation Board of Directors has hired Alexandra Harper to build on these successes and further enhance the work of the organization across the Commonwealth.
Prior to joining the KEEP Foundation, Harper was the Director of Practice at Park Equine Hospital. She previously worked for the American Hybrid Horse Association (ASHA) as the Director of Special Programs, where she hosted the 2019 ASHA Youth Conference, which drew record attendance from the United States and developed develop a continuing education program for members. In addition, she served as the Operations and Communications Coordinator for the University of Kentucky’s Farm Horse Program, where she has been involved in a number of educational initiatives in St. other horseback riding. Harper is from Charleston, West Virginia. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and earned a Master of Business Administration from Midway University.
Commenting on joining the KEEP Foundation, Harper said, “I’m excited about taking on the role of Chief Executive. I look forward to taking the KEEP Foundation to the next level through enhanced fundraising efforts and initiatives. educational events, continuing workforce development initiatives and expanding efforts toward making the industry more accessible.I have spent my entire professional and personal life in the industry, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve as we work together toward the common goal of an ever-prosperous Kentucky and an ever-evolving horse industry.”
Newly-elected President of the Board of Directors of the KEEP Foundation, Elisabeth Jensen, added, “Since 2018 when the KEEP Foundation began working across the industry and partnering with the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center on Initiatives, Horse Workforce, the Foundation has been at the center of the conversation in planning the future of the horse industry in Kentucky and ensuring that future is led by a homegrown workforce. The garden delivers economic impact in all 120 counties. Hiring Alexandra Harper with invaluable passion and experience will allow the Foundation to keep pace with the times and outperform what we were able to do before. .”
In addition to hiring Harper, the KEEP Foundation has added Price Bell and Reese Koffler-Stanfield to its Board of Directors. Bell is the General Manager of Mill Ridge Ranch, and Koffler-Stanfield is an equestrian, trainer, clinician, and owner of Maplecrest Ranch.
The Board of Directors has 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 President and Shannon Cobb will serve as Treasurer.
Founded in 2014, the KEEP Foundation is the charitable arm of the Kentucky Horse Education Project. Funded by participants in the horse industry and through the sale of special Seattle Slew license plates, the KEEP Foundation seeks to support the continued economic success of the Kentucky equine industry by increasing the viability reach this industry to more Kentuckians and educate Kentuckians about the industry and its career opportunities. Over the coming year, the Foundation will continue to focus on the Equine Workforce Initiative, industry education and outreach events, as well as opportunities to highlight and grow the equine industry. of Kentucky statewide.
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