Rachel White
Canaan, ME
rachel.whitnequus@gmail.com
Rachel was unable to attend the Town Hall meeting. Click Here to view her responses to the 4 questions our candidates answered in the meeting.
I have followed the NFHR for sixteen years, and though during times of being a broke college
student or starting a career when I lapsed my membership, I have kept my passion for the
breed and its future. With over ten years of non-profit management and volunteer board service, plus a proven background in fundraising, grant writing, and outreach, I believe I would be an ideal person to serve on the NFHR Board of Directors. My love for Fjords is what drives me to want to serve on this board. Recently, I have been working a membership survey and I am slowly seeking grant opportunities for the organization. If I were on the board, I'd be able to not only better understand the board's direction, but I'd be able to help with broader strategic planning based around the organization's mission and member feedback.
Platform:
Beyond the essential need for fundraising, there are two areas in particular that need addressing-
1) Social Media and Communication
I do not want to pretend that the organization is flawless and to sweep recent history under the rug. I also do not want to turn off or confuse new, enthusiastic Fjord lovers from seeking information and services from this registry because of what they see on social media. I do not want to continue with what hasn't been working. We need to consider ways of making communication better without overloading the volunteer board. One idea is to eliminate having individual board members represent and speak for NFHR on social media. This may 1) reduce confusion over personal vs. organizational opinion, 2) reduce incentive for personal gain, and 3) ensure that NFHR (not one or two board 'admins', but the whole) responds to matters on a limited number of platforms. I do not want two-way dialog to go away, but I think it needs to be reined in. Other methods such as focus groups, regular town halls, and FAQs might be more useful for transparency than the behemoth that is social media.
2) Board and Committee Growth
A board is typically considered a leadership TEAM. Similarly, committees don't belong to one single person, but groups made of board members and dedicated volunteers. Without an Executive Director, having functional committees is essential. Volunteer recruitment and retention is an art, but treating people with respect shouldn't be. Board members should have opportunities to learn how to be effective leaders through training or readings. Volunteers should be greeted warmly and have the opportunity to co-create action items under the purview of the committee's targets and goals.
Related ideas (in no order):
1) Evaluate operational structure, funding resources, code of conduct, current challenges, etc. from other similar-sized breed registries. Find model organizations to reference.
2) Connect with corporate businesses, livestock/ equine conservation and grant foundations for outreach and funding opportunities.
-Think of creative incentives for sponsors
3) Create an application for members interested in joining the BoD and committees.
4) Fundraise specifically for a board strategic retreat facilitator and invest in board member professional training opportunities.
5) Weigh pros and cons of changing public communication methods:
- Limit to one social media platform ("Page" based, not group or forum). In my opinion, NFHR doesn't have the capacity to manage forums- advice, feedback, and transparency is often misconstrued or "lost in the shuffle".
-Start using the use of the official NFHR Facebook page again for information sharing
-Define topics of transparency vs. confidentiality for membership (and board member) understanding and give examples.
- Utilize e-newsletters to disseminate information to members (e.g., a link to an upcoming board meeting, an Evaluation schedule, member spotlight, monthly events calendar, link to the Herald, and more!)
-Revamp the website. I have experience making websites and would be willing to draft an updated framework and teach staff and volunteers how to update and edit. I'd offer to help with these tasks on a regular basis as well.
https://youtu.be/KI_vLAYCdmA?si=jXBMZt9y4xAXTfSC
Michael "Steve" Sessoms
Greeneville, TN
(256) 410-9196
sessoms9196@gmail.com
Currently Retired living on a mini-farm in East Tennessee with three Norwegian Fjord Horses(We lost Aagot this past spring after having her for approximately 26 years).
Work History:
o Bachelor of Science in Business Management
o 20+ years as a quality engineer at United Launch Alliance in Decatur AL. Technical
supervision of up to 25 technicians. Responsible for budgeting and procurement of
multiple major inspection systems with values of up to $1.5 million.
o 20+ years in the nuclear construction and in-service industry. Increasing responsibilities
leading to supervision of up to 40 technicians.
o Both of these roles required management of very diverse work groups and included
world wide travel and work assignments.
Our Fjord Horse History:
My wife Meredith and I bought our first Fjord horses in 1997. We visited Brian
Jacobsen's farm to see his fjord horses and immediately fell in love with the breed because of
their wonderful personalities (their cute appearance did not hurt either). We then brought
Dorina ( H-W-154-M- DORINA H-D176 ) and Aagot ( NFR-J-1071-M - NFR AAGOT ) home a
short time later. We bred Aagot twice and got two really nice fjord horses from these
breedings (if there is anything cuter than a Norwegian Fjord Horse foal, I don't know what it
would be!). Since the first two fjords we have maintained between two and five fjords. They
are used primarily for trail riding.
In 2004 we attended the first Fjord and Friends Fun Fest in Blowing Rock NC. Not
knowing what we were getting into, we did not take any horses. The following year (and
almost every year since) we went back and took a horse. Through this event we have met
some beautiful fjord horses as well as a lot of super owners. This single event has brought
several new people to the breed. Thanks to all who have made FFFF such a success that we
are looking forward to the 20 th gathering in June of 2024.
NFHR Board:
Meredith and I have been members of the NFHR off and on for many years including the last two
years. I am interested in a position on the board because I feel that my experience and education can
bring something positive to the board. I have served as a board member on a non-profit in the past
including the BoD for Fjords and Friends Fun Fest and feel that I brought something to these boards
as well as learned something from them. My work experience has taught me how to deal with a lot of
different personalities through the years. I feel that the Norwegian Fjord Horse breed is important and
needs to be promoted as possible.
Denny Cox
Fairy Landing Farm
Remington, VA
(540) 439-2393
coxdenny@gmail.com
I retired from the United States Marine Corps (USMC)
in 1999 after serving 30-years from Private to
Lieutenant Colonel.
I retired as a Senior Associate at Booz-Allen Hamilton
in 2016.
I have more than forty-five-years of consulting and military service
managing ammunition programs and projects. My credentials encompass
the establishment and implementation of both internal and external
procedures in both start-up and mature life cycle management
environments of arms, ammunition, and explosives (AA&E). I have a
comprehensive knowledge of multiple safety, training, logistical, supply
support, personnel, budget, and office management disciplines. I am
accomplished in strategic planning and execution in support of military
operations and programs throughout the Department of Defense (DoD).
During my service in the Marine Corps and as a contactor I was
responsible for the deployment and execution of projects and programs
that has provided me with a unique set of skills that I believe would assist in
bringing process improvement to the NFHR.
I seek to understand the position of others. I am not a horse competitor or
eventer. I enjoy trail riding and driving for my own pleasure. I want all my
Fjords to be versatile and capable of measuring up to the breed standard to
include the associated disciplines of draft work, driving, and riding whether
English or Western. In September 2023, we participated in the first NFHR
Evaluation using the revised evaluation system with our mare Ironwood
Jinger. She just happened to be the first Fjord evaluated using the new
system and she received a Red Ribbon with a score of 8.
My wife Carol and I were married in 1969 and currently reside at Fairy
Landing Farm (FLF) in Remington, Virginia. We have two daughters and six
grandkids. We have been lifetime members of the NFHR since 2016 when
we purchased our first Fjord. We currently own five registered Fjords and
have two 2023 foals to be registered.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/683480810501828
Bonnie Morris
Morris Shadow Mountain Stables
Auburn, WA
(253) 939-5660
morrisshadowmt@aol.com
I am a lifetime NFHR member, I stand 2 stallions . Kervan Farm's Norik and Ironwood Lordalen. I own over 25 Fjords . I run a lesson and training program with 40 plus students weekly. I have been self-employed for over 25 years. I also show at the regional and International Fjord shows. I first got involved with Fjords over 20 years ago. I have done everything from Dressage, western, showmanship, competitive trail, to International driving and everything else in-between.
I was appointed to the BOD in 2023 to fill a 1 year term . I had never been on a BOD before, so I was not quite sure what to expect and being that I had heard all the negative stuff out on Facebook about the NFHR I was very optimistic and glad to help in anyway to make it a successful enjoyable registry, as I have always seen it as a great asset to the Fjord community . Margaret Crespo was the instructor that gave the 3 hour Bod training session and she was awesome , but in all hones-ty 3 hours of training isn't enough and I would like to see an on going BOD training program implemented.
The NFHR is a non-profit 501c-5, this means that the NFHR is exempt from all fed-eral income tax, however unlike a 501c-3 donations or contributions are not tax-deductible for the donor. Also fundraising activates are limited for a 501c-5. So given that, the NFHR can make extra revenues through online, as well as in per-son contests, clinics, shows, online evaluations, educational seminars . This is something I would like to work on and see developed for the NFHR.
I did a (very successful ) personal fundraiser for the NFHR and raised over $4,000 in 2 days with all donations going directly to the NFHR.
And it is only for my love and passion for the Norwegian Fjord horse and it's successful future that I am offering my help again with the expectation that this will become a very successful Registry with a very bright future and that the current issues will be successfully resolved and a bright happy future for its mem-bership and great new programs affordable for all to enjoy.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Morris
Current membership chair
Member advocate
https://youtube.com/shorts/a8c4UAwB0GU?si=kuvRnNviOYHAAruV
Jessica Reuterskoild
Janesville, WI
(608) 921-5102
ponygirl4life@yahoo.com
Jessica was unable to attend the Town Hall meeting. Click Here to view her responses to the 4 questions our candidates answered in the meeting.
Number of years NFHR member: 21
Number of years as Fjord horse owner: 21
Number of Fjords currently own: 2 (have owned 3 in total)
Fjord activities/experience: I have been an active Fjord owner/ambassador since 2002 when I purchased my first Fjord, TUF Brander while I was in college. I competed with Brander at several open shows with much success. This was during a time when Fjords were not well known or received on the open show circuit. We proved that a Fjord could be successful across various disciplines and against other breeds. I sold Brander to a wonderful family near Madison, WI who competed with him in eventing. I then set my sights on a mare (Wood's Kandi) that my parents had purchased from Dennis and Jeane Downing. She was also in foal at the time. After her foal was weaned, I started working with her and learned she had some previous training. My primary goal was for her to be my all around horse (ride, jump, and drive). Little did I know what adventures and successes this little mare would take me on! She was truly my once in a lifetime horse! She has been my equine partner for over 18 years. We have competed extensively in a variety of events: open shows, eventing, ADS pleasure driving shows, and combined driving events. In 2020, we were the ADS Intermediate Single Pony Combined Driving Champions. Kandi is now retired from competitions while I focus on my up-and-coming young Fjord, CCF Snohvit. She is in her second year of limited showing at pleasure driving and combined driving competitions. Outside of Fjords, I currently work as a project manager for a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Madison, WI. During my career, I have worked in various roles such as a veterinary technician, study technician, global project coordinator, and project manager. I also volunteer my time to the Dairyland Driving Club board of directors and serve as a co-chair for education and safety.
Justification for consideration:
I am a lifetime member and past board member (2016-2022) of the NFHR and have a vested interest in the success of the organization. During my time on the board, I served on the Awards/Promotions and Herald Committees. I also served in various officer roles: Vice President, Treasurer, and President. While I was on the Awards/Promotions committee, we focused on promoting the Fjord at various competitions by creating the NFHR High Point award. Over the years, this award has been presented at several dressage, open show, and driving competitions. While I was on the Herald Committee, we saw a change in editor and the refocus of the Herald to a 100% membership contributed publication.
The NFHR is in a state of change and has lost sight of its core values, especially as it relates to bringing in new members and supporting evaluations. The NFHR also needs a strong board of directors that has the correct focus to bring the NFHR back to the positive side where they engage and grow the membership and ensure the evaluation system is effective and beneficial. With my years of experience of being an active Fjord owner and past NFHR board member, I believe I can leverage these experiences to be a significant contributor to the NFHR board.
The following are my thoughts and ideas for the NFHR board:
Promote a positive working environment amongst the board members.
Formalized board member onboarding procedures
Ensure board members understand their roles and responsibilities.
Reference to Vermont Nonprofit Board Guidance
Quarterly board training sessions- similar platform to what was provided at the 2023 Face to Face
Work as a team with people who respect each other; despite personal differences.
Communication
Maintain the NFHR Facebook page (not group page) for announcement purposes only.
Communication with the membership should focus on utilizing the NFHR website, Herald, and email
Quarterly membership townhall meetings
These were successful in engaging with the membership in 2021 and 2022 on important topics.
These meetings could be open floor or focus on a specific topic.
Committees
Membership committee
This committee could triage membership concerns and questions to allow the rest of the board members and committees to focus on their important tasks
Fundraising committee
This committee could collaborate with the Finance committee to ensure the financial health of the NFHR.
Ensure there are focused efforts to have routine fundraising activities
Engage the membership in getting involved with committees- there are many talented members who could share their knowledge and experience
Overall, I want to see the NFHR return to a peaceful and functional organization that focuses on registering Fjords, bringing in new members and supporting evaluations.
Kelly (KL) White
Bandera, TX
(210) 393-3541
magkij@gmail.com
You can't serve an organization you don't love.
When I first joined the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry's board of directors, they'd struggled to
get people to volunteer. It's a surprising amount of work and a significant commitment of time. My eight
years of experience on the San Antonio Writers' Guild Board of Directors prepared me for that. I'd
served that 100+ member non-profit organization for local writers in many roles - President, Treasurer,
Vice-President, Contest coordinator, and Judge.
The future of the fjord horse breed and the registry are important to me. They matter. So if the
board and the membership will have me back, I'd like to help ensure the NFHR survives and grows.
My journey with fjords started with a trip to Iowa's Waverly Draft Horse auction in 2002. I'd
brought my trainer/mentor with me, and as we walked through the 2,000 horses in the sale barn
looking for a draft or draft-cross dressage prospect, I saw a pair of cute yellow horses that constantly
had people crowded around their stalls. I kept finding reasons to wander back by to see them again. I
didn't buy one at that sale but I always remembered them.
A few years later, needing a horse for my nieces to learn to ride on, I traveled to Michigan to
meet TUF Annie and bring her home. She didn't stay a kid's pony for long (though she's given
countless pony rides and first lessons), and I began my quest to let the people of Texas know about
the horse world's best-kept secret.
Since bringing Annie home, I've committed myself to the fjord breed and bought
German-imported and NFHR-blue evaluated stallion Bastian Vom Oderhaff from Canada. I traveled to
Trinity Farms in BC, Canada, and spent several days learning from Brian and Ursula Jensen and met
many fjords and their people in the Pacific Northwest as we brought Bastian to the US. Over the past
years, I've expanded my herd with horses from Canada, Oregon, Montana, Ohio, Wisconsin,
Arkansas, and Florida. My goal is to breed fjords of exceptional quality and unsurpassed disposition,
and I want to help other breeders of good fjords find them excellent homes.
My fjords participate in the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo's Horse Discovery exhibit, an
educational event where school tours and rodeo visitors can have hands-on experiences with horses.
1.5 Million people attend the San Antonio Stock Show annually, and many walk through the barn and
meet fjords. Many have never touched a horse before, and most have never even heard of fjords. I've
also taken horses to mounted Christmas caroling in my town, Bandera, which bills itself as the
Cowboy Capital of the World, and participated in the annual Cowgirl Round-up and Show-deo with
breed exhibits for the fjord. Bastian and I went to the Texas Viking Festival this past year, and my
young stallion prospect Kennet attended Equine Affair.
Regarding my horse qualifications, I've taught seminars about horses, helped Girl Scout troops
earn horsemanship badges, competed in dressage shows, and volunteered at horse events in almost
every capacity, including scribing for judges. I've been part of a drill team and have ridden in many
parades. I've been part of a mounted archery team and tried my hand at mounted shooting. I've
advised people on buying horses - fjords and non-fjords, and on selling horses. I assisted my mentor
with many lessons at different barns throughout central Texas on my days off and weekends. I've
ridden in numerous clinics with various instructors and judges. I've visited 15 fjord farms in the US and
Canada and hope to travel to see more in Europe soon.
I don't make my living from my breeding program or my horses. It's a labor of love that I take
very seriously but which is funded by a day job as a software developer for a Fortune 500 company.
I'm also a published author, a cancer survivor, and an idealist.
Denice Klinger
Alpharetta, GA
(678) 361-6521
dklinger62@bellsouth.net
Retired
Formerly worked with
bSwift (subsidiary of Aetna)
Aetna
Prudential
PCA Health Plans
CIGNA
I spent most of my professional life working in various sectors of the health insurance industry. While I worked in multiple departments my primary role has largely been in Product Development. Product Development in health insurance is somewhat different from from other industries. While innovation is highly valued, as an intensely regulated industry, product typically finds itself making minor innovations while mostly being the project manager in major systems and process changes. We are ultimately in the position of getting departments with conflicting interests to work together cohesively to create a seamless end product for the consumer.
Because of my success in that role, over the years I was tasked with many roles in multiple departments who were in a functional crisis. Those departments varied from mergers and acquisitions to non compliant government contacts and benefits administration. They all had one thing in common, they relied on my skills in process improvement to restore them to optimal performance. To be effective in process improvement one must focus on process, not personality, and that is an ethos I hold near and dear. The only constant is that not everyone will agree, but to the extent that you can remove process barriers, people will find ways to have healthy disagreement. Because most of us want to do what's right, we just need alignment on how to get there. That said, after decades of being in the business of fixing systems in trouble I understand that this process is neither simple or linear. It will take hard work and the support of the impacted parties.
Once I retired, in addition to working on my FEI driver qualifications with my fjord, Ironwood Xander, I also took on a role with omer of the larger driving clubs, the Florida Whips. I manage the Facebook page and group. I also created and manage a year end award program for the club that had grown steadily for the 4 years it has been in place.
https://youtu.be/TnrusXFmovQ?si=GAAB6IaMioz5JrHA
Cynthia Madden
Las Cruces, NM
(575) 532-9595
cynthia@carriagehorse.com
NFHR notice of intent
I wish to be on the ballot for the 2023 Election to the Board of Directors. I have decided to run
due to several unfinished goals that I feel will enhance the functions of the NFHR and justify
the confidence of it's membership.
NFHR RESUME
* Member of the NFHR since 1994.
* Elected to NFHR Board of Directors twice - resigned during 2nd term due to medical
issues (now resolved). Served as Treasurer in 2nd term. Helped plan and attended
NFHR's 25th Anniversary Celebration in 2006.
* Asked to serve on Finance Committee, January to March 2023. Participated in
reviewing NFHR finances and developing plan of action to resolve financial issues.
* May 2023 asked to fill out term of resigned Board Member through December 2023.
Elected Treasurer and member of Executive Committee from August through December 2023.
* During this period as Board Member, I have developed new policy and by-laws
currently under review and consideration:
1. Proposed new a Promotion Committee to promote the Norwegian Fjord
Horse external to the NFHR. Approved.
2. Proposed formal Fundraising Policy so that members are assured their
donations are appropriately utilized. This new committee has been
approved.
3. As recently elected Treasurer, I plan to review our accounting system and
recommend upgraded tracking of fundraising dollars to ensure
donations are
utilized according to donor specifications.
4. Proposed by-law addressing "Leave of Absence Policy for Board Directors"
to ensure
that the NFHR has adequate representation to carry out its functions.
OTHER USEFUL EXPERIENCE:
- Co-Founded two carriage driving clubs in Nebraska and New Mexico
- Served 4 years on non-profit community action agency board of directors
- Retired from New Mexico State University - Grants and Contract & Grants
Accounting
- Assisted professors in grant sourcing and grant writing for University of Nebraska
Omaha
- Grant Writer for 10-county community action agency for four years. Designed, wrote
grant, and directed start-up of a 27- county program.
- School, public and junior college librarian
- Public Relations Specialist for YWCA in Omaha.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATON (AND VOTE!)
Jim Raabe
Boyers, PA
(724)791-1129
jwraabe63@gmail.com
Jim was unable to attend the Town Hall meeting. Click Here to view his responses to the 4 questions our candidates answered in the meeting.
I first started into horse in 2000 and what a journey it's been. I never wanted to get horses but my
wife wanted to get back into them. We started looking for our first fjord in 2000. We decided to wait till
January of 2001 to purchase our first mare LFF Vonda then shortly followed by Roslyn. Most people
pick their horse, in my case the horse picked me. Roslyn was only a few month old when I first met
her she proceeded to follow me around with her head in the swell of my back. That sealed the deal
she was coming home with me. With having the girls, I had to start learning about horses since I had
no prior knowledge. Our kids used the girls in 4H and as I learned more about the fjord breed I
decided it was time to go to a Fjord horse show. So, it was off to the 2008 Finger Lakes Fjord Horse
show. With this being my first interaction with the fjord community I made some lifelong friends and
even served on Finger Lakes Fjord Horse show committee for a few years and have attended many
more fjords shows, and evaluations. 2010 I was asked to help promote the Fjord breed with the Mid
Atlantic Fjord Horse group at a major horse expo and have done so for the many years. I also have
service on the NFHR board of directors for 4 years. Roslyn and I have done many trail rides over the
years along with being Sheriff's Posse members. Our girls now in their 20's are teaching my
grandchildren how to ride and care for horses. I have had many different titles over the years from
being a self-employed business owner, to being a facilities manager for a government contractor. My
most recent title is project manager for an electrical company working all over the United States. Our
farm Raven Ridge Fjords located in Western Pennsylvania have grown over the last few years. We
have 5 fjord mares, 1 fjord gelding, 1 fjord stallion and 2 grade rescue mares. We love sharing and
teaching others about our wonderful Norwegian Fjord Horses.
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