Development consultant hired
The Virginia Horse Center has hired Jennifer Donovan recently joined the Virginia Horse Center team as development consultant with the center’s goal to create a permanent, full-time development officer role. Donovan was recruited from The Nature Conservancy after serving 4 years as Associate Director of Philanthropy.
Prior to fundraising for The Nature Conservancy, Donovan was the co-founder, principal and visionary for Equestrian Services, LLC and Equestrian Management, LLC for
13 years.
Donovan has extensive knowledge of equestrian facilities,including riding arenas, footing,
fencing, and pasture renovation, as well as all horse-related care and equine management
activities. Her excellent communication, planning, organizational and follow-up skills enable her to develop relationships with clients, staff and community organizations.
After 40 years of involvement in the equestrian industry, Donovan has a vision of raising the bar in the equestrian services industry. This vision encompassed creating a professional standard for quality design that focuses on safety and efficiency of care, all
the while creating an equine profession built on sound business practices, customer service, and quality management, training and instruction.
Raised in an equestrian family, Donovan was an avid pony clubber and hunter/jumper competitor growing up in Maryland. As an adult, upper level dressage is Donovan’s riding passion. She earned the USDF Bronze Medal and worked on qualifications for the Silver Medal until her Dutch Warmblood, Renard, was retired from competition. She also enjoys trail riding when her schedule allows.
Mullins joins board of directors
Patrick Mullins, who has been involved with the Horse Center since ground was first broken 30 years ago, has rejoined the board of directors.
“I remember I came with Bob Reel to look at the Horse Center about possible insurance on it. Bob and I stood up at the top of the hill where those three flagpoles are. That was the only thing there – those three flag poles. Bob was showing me what the dream was and what the goal was – which is very much where we are now,” Mullins said.
Mullins comes to the Horse Center with a more than 30 year career with Markel Equine Insurance, having put together insurance programs for leading equestrian organizations such as the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Paint Horse Association and much, much more.
Mullins also most recently served as the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia from 2009 to 2015.
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Roanoke Equestrian 