Board of Directors

Sally has 30 years of experience in developing and managing programs that engage with industry to find alternatives to environmental regulations in a voluntary program format. She has also worked in the U.S. Senate, where animal welfare legislation was part of her portfolio. Sally has enjoyed working with many nonprofits such as the Washington Humane Society, therapeutic riding, and youth development programs for at risk youth. Sally has been involved with horses all her life and Thoroughbred aftercare for over 15 years. Sally grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and graduated from University of California at Santa Barbara and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Jill Byrne is the Vice President of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs Racetrack. Jill grew up in horse racing in Virginia riding racehorses for her father, Peter Howe, who trained at historic Montpelier for Marion DuPont Scott. Jill has an extensive background in the horse racing industry having had careers as a trainer, rider and all-around horsewoman, as well as holding prestigious positions at Churchill Downs, TVG Network and The Breeders Cup. A lifelong passion for the horse and making sure they are well cared for after their days at the racetrack lead Jill full circle back to Montpelier and the VTP.

Acting on his entrepreneurial spirit, in 2002 John became a DC based real estate agent and continues to follow his dream in helping people and families find their perfect place to call home. John works with Compass Real Estate and together are instrumental in providing high-tech and stellar client service. John has achieved several awards over the years from GCAAR and recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as one of DC’s Top Agents. In his previous roles from 1993-2002, John served in management for three VA telecom corporations. These companies included an international partnership and a startup company. Prior to moving to DC in 1993, John lived in Scottsdale Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University. Growing up, John owned and rode show horses along with his family owning racehorses. He is a strong supporter for the aftercare of thoroughbred races horses. John currently lives in Washington DC.

A horse-riding hay-baling Farm Girl turned Emmy award-winning media architect/director producing programs and action campaigns that have educated & empowered millions. An International Educator training thousands in action strategy & sustainable practices, Kristy’s career spans the public & private sectors, including Knight-Ridder, GE, NBC, PBS, U.S. EPA, Ad Council + dozens of non-profit organizations. In Service to sustainability, preservation, conservation & learning from history, I was beekeeping before bees were cool! Let’s create a Buzz!

Steve has 20+ years of galloping racehorses for trainers such as Charlie Whittingham, Bob Baffert, Bobby Frankel mainly at Santa Anita and Del Mar and three years of riding races mainly at Canterbury Downs, Hawthorne Racetrack, Foxboro Park, and Rockingham Park. Outside of horses, Steve has 20 years of sales experience for S&P and IHS Markets as well as 25 years involvement with adopting retired greyhounds. Steve has lived in Virginia for the last 20 years and neighbor to Montpelier the last 8 years. Steve is Married to his lovely wife Hillary last 8 years.

I have been breeding and racing Thoroughbreds since the mid 80’s. It is my hands on experience with the aftermath of racing that led me to get involved with aftercare programs. My favorite riding horses have been ex racehorses, and I currently own 3 retirees.

Bunny is a native of Charlottesville and grew up on her family’s farm showing horses and foxhunting. After graduating from St. Anne’s-Belfield she attended the University of Virginia. Having lived in Europe, South America, Australia and many cities in the United States, Bunny can assure you that Charlottesville is the best place to live! She enjoys playing golf and attending UVa sporting events with her family. Bunny is a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Board member of the Virginia Thoroughbred Project, Ednam Forest HOA and Ednam HOA. She is a frequent volunteer at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society.