OLD LYME—Celebrating its 50th anniversary with an annual gala that generated more than $500,000 in philanthropic support, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding has announced that its new executive director, effective July 1, 2024, will be Missy Lamont.
She joined the High Hopes team in December 2023 as director of operations and has worked closely with Interim Executive Director Alison Zack Darrell since January 2024, this enabling a seamless transition and continuity in leadership.
A search committee, chaired by John Catlett, current trustee, and former board chair, invested significant time in interviewing and selecting the ideal candidate for this pivotal role.
According to Catlett, “Missy’s extensive experience in therapeutic riding coupled with her demonstrated leadership skills made her the unanimous choice among the search committee members. With Missy at the helm, High Hopes is well-positioned to embark on its next 50 years, ready to innovate and grow to meet the evolving needs of our participants and community.”
Chief Philanthropy Officer Claire Gadrow agrees and adds, “I am excited to work alongside Missy in her new executive leadership role. This is a pivotal moment for High Hopes. During this anniversary year, we are proudly celebrating 50 years of empowering lives. For five decades, our founders and the community have been energized by our mission. This year, we have achieved historic levels of philanthropy, in large part due to the dedicated volunteers and generous donors. With the unwavering support of the community and this leadership appointment, High Hopes is poised to drive impactful change. I am confident that under her leadership, we will achieve our strategic goals and elevate our efforts to new heights.”
Lamont brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, including a previous role as an executive director. She has worn various hats, from program development and community outreach to fundraising and strategic planning. Her commitment to the nonprofit world deepened when she obtained a Certificate in Nonprofit Strategies from Harvard Business School, equipping her with essential skills to navigate the ever-evolving challenges of today’s nonprofit landscape and showcasing her dedication to creating positive impact.
Lamont’s journey in equine-assisted therapies began in Southwest Florida, where she worked for over 15 years. Starting as a volunteer at a center in Naples, Florida, Lamont’s love for horses drew her to the field, but it was the transformative impact of horses on human lives that inspired her to stay. She has since become a certified therapeutic riding instructor with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.). In addition to her hands-on experience, Lamont actively contributes to the industry by serving on the PATH Intl. Governance Committee. Her leadership roles as a State Chair and Region Representative further underscore her commitment to advancing therapeutic horsemanship.
“I am honored and excited to lead the High Hopes team,” said Lamont. “I had admired High Hopes from a distance for years and felt a deep connection to the organization, having been originally certified at this center many years ago. Its national reputation preceded it, and I am proud to take on this new role in such an outstanding institution. Together, we will continue to create a positive impact through equine-assisted therapy and foster an inclusive community where lives are transformed.”
Since its inception in 1974 with just eight participants, 10 volunteers, and borrowed horses, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding has cultivated a vibrant community, positively impacting over 1,400 lives. Today, with the support of 412 volunteers, 11 instructors, 22 horses, 125 acres, and countless donors, the organization is ready to embrace its future. With Lamont’s extensive experience and genuine passion for equine therapy, she is poised to spearhead significant advancements in High Hope’s mission under her leadership as executive director.
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