GallopNYC Announces Transition in Executive Leadership
GallopNYC Executive Director Marcos Stafne & Founder and Board Vice Chair Alicia Kershaw.
Photo by Snap Photo and Cinema
New York City, NY- April 15, 2024 - GallopNYC, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to making the life-changing benefits of therapeutic experiences with horses available to all New Yorkers with disabilities and other needs, announces the departure of Marcos Stafne, Ph.D., from his role as Executive Director.
During his tenure, Stafne was pivotal in advancing GallopNYC's mission and bolstering its impact across New York City. Under his leadership, the organization experienced significant growth and implemented innovative programs to better serve its participants. Stafne will join the GallopNYC Council of Advisors.
"We are immensely grateful for Marcos's contributions to GallopNYC and the community of people with disabilities," said Board Chair Constance Hunter, "His dedication, passion, and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving our mission forward."
In light of Marcos's departure, GallopNYC is pleased to announce that Founder and Board Vice Chair Alicia Kershaw, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in therapeutic riding and nonprofit management, will assume the role of Interim Executive Director, as of April 29, 2024.
As the founder and former executive director of GallopNYC, Kershaw brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Kershaw led the organization from 2005 to 2018 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2018. A certified PATH Int’l. instructor, retired attorney, and lifelong rider, Kershaw's leadership will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for the organization.
"I am honored to step into the role of Interim Executive Director and build upon the foundation established by Marcos," said Alicia Kershaw. "GallopNYC holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to working with our excellent team to uphold our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through the life-changing benefits of therapeutic experiences with horses."
The Board of Directors expresses its sincere appreciation to Stafne for his dedication and wishes him the best in his future endeavors. They also extend their full support to Kershaw as she assumes her new role and leads GallopNYC into its next chapter of growth and impact.
GallopNYC has retained PNP Staffing Group, a division of Careers in Nonprofits, to conduct the search for the next executive director. Interested parties can learn more about the position by visiting GallopNYC.org/careers or apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Wade Savitt, Executive Recruiter, at wsavitt@pnpstaffinggroup.com.
For media inquiries or more information about GallopNYC, please contact:
Carrie Wirth at EQ Media
carrie@eqmedia.agency
Interim Executive Director, Founder and Board Vice Chair Alicia Kershaw.
Photo by Snap Photo and Cinema
Interim Executive Director, Founder and Board Vice Chair Alicia Kershaw with GallopNYC horse, Mimi, at the 2023 Barn Dance.
Photo by EQMedia
About GallopNYC
Empowered by the collective support of our staff, volunteers, donors, and participants, GallopNYC uses therapeutic experiences with horses to facilitate personal development for all New Yorkers with disabilities and others who benefit from our life-changing programs. We support individuals in learning new life skills and thriving within their communities and families through the healing power of horses. Since its founding in 2005, GallopNYC has served thousands of participants and continues to expand its reach and impact across the city.