USAWE Directors and Administrators
At the core of USA Working Equitation is a dedicated team of Directors and Administrators who guide the organization with integrity, vision, and a deep respect for the sport. These individuals serve as the backbone of USAWE’s governance, ensuring that our mission—to promote Working Equitation across the United States—is carried out with transparency, inclusivity, and excellence.
Whether overseeing membership needs, regional development, competition expansion, supporting youth programs, or shaping strategic initiatives, our leadership team works tirelessly to foster a thriving community. Their commitment helps preserve the rich traditions of Working Equitation while embracing innovation and growth. Here you will meet our Directors and Administrators, have access to their contact information, and learn a bit about what they bring to the organization.
Board of Directors
Officers
Robin Bond
President
Robin Bond resides in California. She was elected to the office of President Elect in November of 2024 and rotated into the office of the President in December 2025. Her term runs through November of 2026.
Glynna Hoekstra
Vice President
Glynna Hoekstra, a resident of California, was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as Vice President in December 2025. Her term runs through November of 2027.
Glynna has over 35 years of corporate experience from the Commercial Construction industry where she served in roles from Project Manager to Chief Financial Officer. She knows how to bring teams together to get things done, and how to keep those teams high functioning. She entered the sport of Working Equitation in 2017, riding in the traditions of the California Vaquero. Glynna’s focus is on expanding the sport by promoting schooling shows, fun days, clinics and other easy entry opportunities, and working with the Board to improve the organization as a whole for the benefit of all members.
Julie Alonzo
Secretary
Julie Alonzo resides in Oregon. She was appointed to serve as Interim Secretary in February of 2025 and then appointed Secretary later the same year. Her term runs through November of 2027.
Julie has been actively involved in Working Equitation since 2010 and has served consistently in a variety of WE-related Board and committee roles throughout those years. She enjoys sharing her love of the sport and has taught many Introduction to WE clinics across the United States as well as in Canada and Australia. In addition, she is an active show manager/secretary, organizing an average of 25 licensed WE shows / championships each year. One of Julie’s passions is helping people interested in the sport connect. For the past few years, she has been organizing WE-based trips to Portugal to help U.S., Canada, and Australia-based enthusiasts learn from the world leaders in the sport. Back home, she currently competes at L5 on her home-bred mare CDC Memoria and L1 on Memoria’s daughter CDC Vindicación. Outside WE, she is a Research Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Education program at the University of Oregon.
Leesa Nero
Treasurer
A resident of Florida, Leesa was appointed to the office of Treasurer in June of 2023. Her appointment is confirmed annually.
Amy Star
At-Large Director
Amy Star lives in Arizona. She was appointed to serve as At Large Director 1 on 11/13/24. She was elected to the position in November of 2025. Her term continues until 12/27.
Holly Linz
At-Large Director 2
Holly Linz, from Maryland, was elected At Large Director 2 in November 2024. Her terms runs through November 2026.
R6 member and Professional Instructor on the International long list.
Founding member of Working Equitation East, an event management group that hosts Working Equitation shows and clinics across the East Coast and supports grass roots AOs and organizations in R6 and R7. Owner operator of KeepStables Training and Boarding in MD, specializing in Dressage and Working Equitation.
Regional Directors
Chesna Klimek
Region 1 Director
Chesna Klimek resides in Washington State. She was elected to serve as Region 1 Director in November 2025. Her term runs through November of 2027. Chesna first competed in Working Equitation in 2015 and has competed through Advanced level. As a trainer/instructor, Chesna loves introducing working equitation to horses and riders and helping them achieve their goals. She has served the sport in a volunteer capacity at shows, on committees, and by riding in public WE demonstrations. Outside of horses, she works online in communications and operations. She is excited to support the USAWE membership and the growth of Working Equitation in Area 1 and beyond.
Jerry Beatty
Region 2 Director
Jerry was elected in 2025. Jerry didn’t start riding in earnest until his mid – forties. He began riding with his Appaloosa mare on mountain trail rides near Fresno, California, but that soon evolved to local open breed shows and eventually competitive Dressage and Hunters Over Fences events.
Jerry has served as a Board member and Treasurer of CCCAHA (Central Coast of California Arabian Horse Association) an affiliate of Arabian Horse Association for over 15 years now. He has also served as Secretary and Region 1 (California) Director of IALHA (International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association) and has also served as a Delegate with both USEF and USDF.
When not working full time, Jerry and his wife Dr. Brenda Forsythe spend time with their three PRE Andalusian Mares in both Dressage and Working Equitation competitions throughout California. Although new to the sport of Working Equitation, Jerry recognizes the “family atmosphere” and camaraderie that is associated with WE, and will work diligently to develop locations and venues for more recognized WE competitions within the Region, and is available to answer any questions that are presented to him. Jerry’s term runs through November 2027.
Cyndi Harris
Region 3 Director
Cyndi Harris, a resident of Kansas, was appointed to serve as Region 3 Director in Feb 2025. She was elected to the position in November 2025. Her term runs through November of 2027.
Kiki Pantaze
Region 4 Director
Kiki Pantaze, a resident of Texas, was re-elected to serve as Region 4 Director in 2024. Her term runs through November of 2026.
Sara Barnwell
Region 5 Director
Sara Barnwell lives in Michigan. She was elected to serve as Region 5 Director in 2023 and again in 2025. Her term runs through November of 2027.
Rebecca Stankiewicz Gabel
Region 6 Director
Maria Blackstone
Region 7 Director
Maria Blackstone lives in Tennessee. She was appointed to serve as Region 7 Director in 2025. Her term runs through November of 2027.
Our Administrative Assistant Team
The Administrative Assistant Team supports the Board of Directors in the day-to-day operations of the organization. These volunteer assistant positions are appointed by the Board as needed and are confirmed annually. Administrative Assistants do not vote on Board decisions.
Kathy Orr
Treasurer’s Assistant
Kathy Orr lives in Oregon. She was re-appointed to serve as a Treasurer’s Assistant on November 29, 2024. Her appointment runs through November of 2025.
Emily Osborne
Volunteer Coordinator
Emily Osborne lives in South Carolina. She was appointed to serve as Volunteer Coordinator on September 11, 2024. Her appointment runs through November of 2025.
I discovered WE a few years ago after retiring my mare from foxhunting. This is such a great sport for everyone from every discipline. As Volunteer Coordinator I’m trying to involve more participants in the ‘works’ of the organization. Through the years I have been a member of various clubs/organizations in different positions. I’ve had a lot of experience in matching people to jobs and try to do that with USAWE.