With a firm focus on the organization’s future and the mission of promoting safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) is pleased to announce Kathy Alm as its next Chief Executive Officer.
Alm brings to PATH Intl. proven strategic leadership, having spent the last 25 years transforming organizations, guiding their respective boards, staff, donors and volunteers to the realization of their visions. For the last 15 years she served as Executive Director of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville, Washington, one of the largest organizations in the industry. She grew the previously grass roots organization from a $280,000 annual operating budget to a professional $2.1-million organization, leading a staff of 23 full-time employees and building and operating a new $11-million facility.
An extensive nationwide search was conducted by a dedicated search committee comprised of a past board president, current board members and membership representatives from both larger and smaller EAAT programs. A rigorous interview and selection process followed.
“In addition to running a large-scale operation, Kathy Alm has a unique depth of knowledge and understanding of the association and its membership,” stated Jim Harlan, president of the PATH Intl. Board of Trustees. “Kathy served as the association board president in the 2010-2012 term, first joining the board of trustees in 2005. She has served as a membership oversight region representative and on a variety of committees in a leadership capacity. The board and I could not be more satisfied that our nationwide search yielded the best possible leader for the job.”
Alm replaces the retiring Kay Marsh Green, who has held the CEO title from 2010 until present. Green said, “Making the decision to leave this remarkable association and its exemplary staff was a difficult decision. Knowing that Kathy Alm is the incoming CEO has only enhanced my excitement for the future of the industry. Kathy will be a bold leader, and I wish her every success!”
Kathy said accepting this position feels like the right opportunity at the right time for both herself and PATH Intl. “Having led the strategic planning process for PATH Intl., I can clearly see the vision as set forth by the board with input from the membership, our sponsors, other industry stakeholders and staff. It is a tremendous opportunity to bring together my talents and passion for the industry for the benefit of equine-assisted activities and therapies on a global level. I look forward to serving the membership and making this vision a reality.”
Alm will be relocating from the Northwest to association headquarters in Denver, Colorado. She will take the reins of the position in August 2014.
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. The association certifies professionals and accredits centers that each year help 56,000 children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse. Currently 850 member centers offer therapeutic riding, and other therapeutic horsemanship activities including hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, carriage driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, groundwork and stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, and under the direction of the PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful programs. There are nearly 52,000 volunteers, 4,232 instructors, 7,503 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Centers.
