Park Leadership
State Charter
In 1995 the Legislature authorized the Washington State Horse Park legislation which states, in part: "Establishing a first-class Horse Park facility in Washington would meet important needs of the state's horse industry, attract investment, enhance recreational opportunities, and bring new exhibitors and tourists to the state from throughout the region and beyond. A unique opportunity exists to form a partnership between state, county, and private interests to create a major horse park facility that will provide public recreational opportunities and statewide economic and employment benefits."
The complete legislation is in the State Charter document; its key provisions for leadership and direction are outlined below.
The Authority
The legislation established the Washington State Horse Park Authority ("the Authority"), with a seven-member volunteer board of directors; in 2013, this was changed to an eleven member volunteer board of directors. The Authority is responsible for developing, promoting, operating, managing and maintaining the Horse Park. The legislation provides the governor appoint board members from across the state experienced in different horse disciplines, activities and professions that compliment the development and operational needs of the Horse Park. Also included are a representative from Washington State Parks Commission and a director who represents the local interests of the community where the Horse Park is located.
The complete legislation is in the State Charter document; its key provisions for leadership and direction are outlined below.
Authority Board Members
Todd Trewin
President
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About
Todd represented the US in the sport of eventing as a member of the US Olympic team in Barcelona, Spain in 1992. Today Todd runs an active training program, competes locally, and designs/builds cross country courses. He and his wife Tracey operate their own boarding and training property in Fall City.
Mitch Williams
Vice President and Kittitas County Representative
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About
Mitch owned MF Williams Construction Company for 35 years and was a state director with the Building Industry Association of WA. He has competed in reining and cutting and is a 25-year member of Ellensburg Rodeo Gold Buckle club. He and his wife Julie live on their ranch in Ellensburg.
Mark Englizian
Secretary
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About
Mark is a seasoned organization leader with nonprofit boards and has 30 years of experience as a human resources executive in the retail, technology, and hospitality industries. Mark and his wife Carol live in Kittitas County where they ride recreationally.
Jessica Logan
State Parks and Recreation Commission Representative
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About
Jessica is the current State Parks representative. More details coming soon!
Maria Danieli
Reining Competitor
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About
Maria was raised on a horse boarding farm in Bellevue, Maria has shown in multiple disciplines including western pleasure, reining and on the Arabian circuit. Maria enjoys her career as a realtor specializing in equestrian properties and country estates in King and Snohomish counties.
Tom Dent
State Representative, Rodeo
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About
Tom has been a professional pilot since 1976 following a career in rodeo and as a working cowboy. He participates in many professional and community organizations. Tom and his wife Dayna raise grass-fed beef, bison and hay on their ranch in Moses Lake.
Michelle Pease-Paulsen
Arabian Competitor
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About
Michelle brings two decades of marketing and strategic communications experience, and was a partner in a land development and new construction business. Currently, she actively competes, serves as the Region 5 Director of the Arabian Horse Association and organizes several large shows.
Judy Warnick
State Senator
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About
Judy has shown English, dressage and western disciplines and served as a 4-H leader for 20 years in Grant County. In her free time, Judy and her husband, Roy, own five horses and a mule at their home in Moses Lake.
Kim Witty
Kittitas County Resident, Reined Cowhorse
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About
Kim has lifelong experience with horses in ranching, roping and rodeo, and has won national titles in reined cow horse and other competitions. He and his wife Deb, who specializes in training and judging Arabian horses, operate their business High Country Training in Ellensburg.
Denise Youell
Hunter/Jumper Trainer
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About
Denise is the owner and head trainer of Farpoint Farms, and has riders competing at the national level and winning many hunter/jumper, eventing and Welsh pony awards. For fun she also enjoys mountain trail, foxhunting and driving miniature horses.
Kaydee Johnston
Business Leader/Entrepreneur
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About
Kaydee is currrently Founder & CEO of Pony Tail Sportswear. She has a background in venture capital, product marketing and brand building. Kaydee was one of the founding investors and team members of Ariat International. Following Ariat, Kaydee served as a VP of global marketing for Brunswick corporation. When not growing Pony Tail Sportswear, she can be found riding and/or competing with her cutting horse at NCHA events or cleaning the barn.
Park Management
The Horse Park is currently supported by a small paid staff consisting of a full-time Executive Director, part-time Administrator/Membership Manager, and during the open season a full time Facility Manager and Grounds staff.
We rely heavily on a network of valuable volunteers who provide their talents and services in various ways. The Horse Park will always be reliant on volunteers to help keep costs down and provide their skills when and where needed. Please visit the Volunteer and Employment Opportunities page to see what opportunities are most critical or contact the office if you have an idea of how you can help.
Wendy Hensley
Executive Director
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About
Wendy has over 25 years experience in business management and marketing in several professional industries. She is the former Executive Director of Whispering Meadows Equestrian Center in Junction City, Oregon and the former owner of a landscaping/excavation company in Clark County, Washington. Wendy held marketing leadership roles and is also is the owner and editor of NW Rider Magazine which grew to a pre-pandemic print/digital circulation of more than 20,000 users. Wendy resides with her son, three horses, and three dogs in Cle Elum, WA. She is excited share in the local community and all that it has to offer!
Leslie Thurston
Mentoring Executive Director
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About
Leslie has been a corporate manager with responsibility for planning, new business development, investor relations and marketing. Her experience ranges from international assignments with major corporations to operating her own local company. She qualified for the national Medal finals in hunt seat equitation, and has competed in eventing and dressage.