Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center Announces New Executive Director
The Board of Directors of Swiftsure Ranch is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Bennett as the organization’s new Executive Director. Paul will assume his new role Monday, September 16, following his relocation along with his wife Suzanne, their two dogs and a horse, from the East Coast.
The breadth and depth of Paul’s background in nearly 3 decades as a director of ranches, farms and equine facilities, his expertise in agriculture, animal-powered transportation and heritage livestock breeds, plus his record of leadership, team-building, financial stewardship and community outreach all distinguished him among a field of talented candidates. Having met with the Bennett’s during the search process, several members of the Swiftsure organization were not only impressed by his horsemanship, but also satisfied that his uniquely developed skill set is not limited to interacting with his four-legged charges. Colleagues attest to Paul’s organizational ability to drive the bigger picture in managing all operational aspects, including his passion for and dedication to developing successful, high-functioning teams.
Mr. Bennett spent the last Four years as Director of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Coach & Livestock Department in Williamsburg, Virginia. Prior to that, he served four years as Ranch Manager at the Morris Ranch and Carriage House in Wharton, Texas. Originally from England, Paul is certified in Advanced Ranch Management by the King Ranch Institute at Texas A&M University, equine management through the Durham College of Agriculture, and equine facilities management through the Lexington, KY-based Certified Horsemanship Association.
The Board anticipates that Paul’s experience with Colonial Williamsburg, where he was responsible for managing 32 horses, 23 employees and dozens of volunteers in addition to carrying out fundraising, donor stewardship, public relations, budget oversight and program development responsibilities, will translate directly to his new role with Swiftsure.
The Board extends heartfelt appreciation to all the supporters who have contributed mightily over the past year so that the Ranch could successfully transition to this exciting new phase in the program’s evolution, and looks forward to the synergistic effect of new leadership to leverage the seasoned, knowledgeable and dedicated team of managers, instructors, support staff and volunteers.
Swiftsure Ranch encourages the physical, emotional and cognitive well-being of children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted activities and therapies. To learn more about Swiftsure Ranch and Horses Changing Lives, visit www.swiftsureranch.org or call (208) 578-9111.
