Columbus, OH – The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is excited to welcome Kathryn (Kathy) Dando to the newly created role of Resource Development Director. Dando will serve as a full-time Department Head overseeing individual and corporate fundraising for the organization, placing a special emphasis on strategies for growth and developing/strengthening donor relationships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kathy to this new position in the IEA,” stated IEA Executive Director and Co-Founder, Roxane Durant. “As a long-time, hardworking advocate for the equine industry, she brings the broad knowledge and professionalism needed to take IEA to the next level as we continue to expand horsemanship, instruction, and competitions at the introductory level of our sport. Having just celebrated our 20th Anniversary, we now look toward the growth and sustainability that will move us into the future.”
Hailing from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Dando brings to the organization an experienced, professional multi-channel marketing and sales background in the equestrian, automotive, consumer goods, and e-commerce industries. Equestrians may recognize Dando from her long history in equine publishing with Practical Horseman Magazine, where she served as the Associate Publisher/Publisher for more than 12 years. In addition to her publishing and sales experience, Dando is also the Founder and CMO of Kathryn Dando LLC Media Group which offers a broad range of marketing services for start-ups to mid-size companies and brands. Dando holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a minor in Accounting from Millersville University in Millersville, Pennsylvania as well as numerous Marketing Certifications.
In her leadership role with IEA, Dando will focus on developing a robust annual individual and corporate giving program from the ground level that will support current and expanded IEA programs, events and offerings. Well-versed in sales and database management, Dando will also assist the Marketing, Sales and Communications Departments in diversifying both equestrian and non-equestrian corporate sponsorship support. She maintains a belief in building and maintaining strategic industry relationships based upon mutual value. These have included partnerships with the international and national governing bodies of equestrian sports, the Fédération Équestre Internationale & the U.S. Equestrian Federation, along with many others.
“The importance of youth organizations to the growth of equestrian sport, as well as providing a vehicle for mental health support for our children post pandemic has never been greater,” says Dando. “I have always been a supporter of the IEA’s grass roots outreach with no rider required to own a horse or own tack for competition. Young equestrians participating in the IEA develop unparalleled horsemanship skills, along with added life skills such as confidence, empathy, and resiliency. It is my honor and privilege to work with the IEA in framing and developing the next 20+ years of growth.”
Dando officially began work with IEA on October 17, 2022 and can be reached at kdando@rideiea.org.
