With Equest CEO Lili Kellogg saddling up and riding into the retirement sunset after a 28-year tenure on the Equest trail, the search has been underway for who would pick up the reins for the “equine-assisted services for children and adult with disabilities and veterans with special needs.”
The Equest board of directors has just revealed that Myrshem George will be the new trail boss for the organization.
According to Board Co-Chair Lisa Loy Laughlin, who serves along with Clint Haggerty, “The CEO search committee, led by Board Member Tim Gavin, was unanimous in its selection of Myrshem. His extensive development and operations experience will uniquely position Equest for the future; stretching channel partnerships, developing new alliances while expanding our client reach in the community. Each of us look forward to working with Myrshem.
In addition to most recently serving as COO for Austin Street Center, he was chief advancement officer where he “handled all revenue-generating activities, including special events, individual, foundation, corporate and government funding. He also managed aspects that helped to advance the agency’s mission, including volunteer services, in-kind donations, data quality and integrity, and communications/public relations. Over his tenure at Austin Street, George grew the agency’s annual fundraising from $3.3M in fiscal year 2019 to $4.9M in fiscal year 2020, $8.5M in fiscal year 2021 and $7.9M in fiscal year 2022. As well, he also served as an integral part of the launch and successful completion of the ‘Help Them Home Capital Campaign,’ garnering more than $18.9M through private support and New Market Tax Credits. This campaign led to the construction of the Austin Street Center for Community Engagement – a 60,000 square foot, ultramodern homeless shelter, and day service center which provides critical care for Dallas’ vulnerable neighbors. This Center began serving clients in June 2022, to which George then transitioned to head the Shelter’s daily operations as chief operating officer.”
Prior to joining Austin Street Center in 2019, Myrshem held a variety of positions at the University of North Texas, Collin College, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Boys And Girls Clubs of Great Sacramento, the University of Washington and the University of the Virgin Islands’ Reichhold Center for the Art.
In accepting his new role, the United States Virgin Islands native said, “Following in Lili’s footsteps, it is my sincere hope to build upon past successes, while working to position Equest as a center of excellence in the equine therapy space. With a dynamic team, we will continue to develop and provide innovative services, in turn helping North Texans with diverse needs, find hope and healing through horses.”
Myrshem will immediately moved into the Equest bunkhouse.
* Graphic/photo provided by Equest
Robert Monroe says
Congratulations!
Myrshem was an outstanding fundraiser and leader here at Austin Street Center. He will be greatly missed. Wishing you all the best with Myrshem at the helm. He undoubtedly will do a great job.
Robert Monroe
Safety and Security Director
Austin Street Center