Theresa Fincher has been named Executive Director of theParelli Foundation, a nonprofit organization for the natural horsemanship community that focuses on education for youth horsemanship, therapeutic horsemanship, horse welfare and scholarships for the talented and for career minded individuals.
Fincher had previously been the Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy & Operations. In that role, she led some of the Foundation’s most successful philanthropic and fund-raising initiatives to date, including:
- The September 2015 Road to the Summit colt auction and Summit Gala
- Establishment of the Future of Horsemanship program and scholarship
- Home study initiatives in youth horsemanship, therapeutic horsemanship and equine welfare
- Unique fundraising events including the “Living Your Purpose” series and “In the Kitchen” with Linda Parelli
As Executive Director, she will be responsible for the Foundation’s strategic planning and business operations as well as creating and leading new directions in philanthropy.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Theresa will be leading the Foundation,” said Lori Northrup, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “She has developed key relationships for our organization, is a tireless supporter of natural horsemanship, and brings great business expertise to the table. Theresa has successfully led many large organizations as well as groups of volunteers and employees, which is why I am confident she will help grow our Foundation’s reach and impact.”
“I am excited and honored to be given this leadership opportunity,” said Fincher. “I love leading and working with the staff and volunteers for the Parelli Foundation because of the passion and love the team has for the mission of the organization. I am looking forward to helping grow our educational and scholarship offerings to youth and professionals alike, as well as continuing our work in horse welfare and therapeutic horsemanship. As I always say – Onward and Upward!”
Prior to joining Parelli Foundation, Fincher was Events Director for Parelli Natural Horsemanship. In addition, she is the author of a three book series, “The Adventures of Courage, The Big Bad Stallion.” Fincher, who has a bachelor’s degree in management and human relations, has extensive experience in global supply chain and lean management, is certified in Production Inventory Management-APICs and is a certified Vinyasa Flow Yoga Instructor. Theresa and her husband Rhett live in Arizona, with their three horses and two dogs.
The Parelli Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for the natural horsemanship community that focuses on education for youth horsemanship, therapeutic horsemanship, horse welfare and scholarships for the talented and for career minded individuals. It follows the principles of Parelli Natural Horsemanship (PNH) but operates independently of PNH. The Parelli Foundation (previously named the Parelli Education Institute) earned the “Gold Level” designation from GuideStar, USA, Inc.; an information service specializing in reporting on U.S. nonprofit companies. Out of 1.5 million nonprofits, less than 5,000 have achieved Gold Level status. Donors to the Parelli Foundation can be assured their investments are being used wisely and appropriately, with contributions tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To learn more, go to: www.ParelliFoundation.org