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 the horse racing world 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 horses 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, providing high-tech, 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 and his family was involved in horse racing – owning many racehorses. He is a strong supporter and advocate for the aftercare of Thoroughbred race horses and. John currently resides 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 and empowered millions, Kristy has done it all. An International Educator training thousands in action strategy and sustainable practices, Kristy’s career spans the public and private sectors, including Knight-Ridder, GE, NBC, PBS, U.S. EPA, Ad Council plus dozens of non-profit organizations. In service to sustainability, preservation, conservation and learning from history, Kristy was beekeeping before bees were cool. Kristy knows how to create a buzz, and brings energy and enthusiasm to VTP.

Steve has 20+ years in the stirrups, exercising and racing horses for trainers such as Charlie Whittingham, Bob Baffert and Bobby Frankel. Steve has ridden on tracks from Santa Anita and Del Mar to 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. An animal lover, Steve has over 25 years experience with adopting retired greyhounds. Steve calls Virginia home and is a neighbor of Montpelier the last 8 years. Married to his lovely wife Hillary, they both feel fortunate to have VPT as neighbors.

Carolyn has been involved in breeding and racing Thoroughbreds since the mid-1980s. Her direct experience with the challenges faced by retired racehorses inspired her to participate in aftercare programs. She has always favored ex-racehorses as her riding companions and currently cares for three retired Thoroughbreds.

Erin Mitchell is the director of Virginia’s Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Show, exclusively showcasing Thoroughbreds in hunter/jumper, western and dressage classes. Two shows are offered annually, one in spring at Rose Mount Farm in Spotsylvania and the other in summer at the Virginia Horse Center. We are grateful for Erin’s commitment to retired racehorses by promoting the Virginia Thoroughbred Project with outreach opportunities at the Thoroughbred Heritage shows.

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, Ednam Forest HOA, and Ednam Village HOA. She is a frequent volunteer at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society.

We are pleased to have Arthur as a board member of Virginia Thoroughbred Project. His shared enthusiasm and vast knowledge of horses is an asset to our program.