Michele Pesula Kuegler is the Founder and Executive Director of The Horse Fund, which focuses on the safe and secure retirement of Thoroughbreds. Prior to The Horse Fund, Ms. Pesula Kuegler was the Director of Aftercare and Community at Wasabi Ventures Stables (WVS). Building on her love of animals and the support of the WVS club members, she created The Horse Fund, which concentrates on horses who have run or were bred by WVS. She applied skills from her earlier careers as an elementary school teacher, CEO of her own online publishing company, and program director to develop The Horse Fund from a glimmer of an idea to a thriving nonprofit that has assisted in the retirement of 26 horses.

After a short career as a corporate attorney, George decided to follow his passion and embarked on a career in the Thoroughbred industry in 2012. He established his Housatonic Bloodstock LLC in 2014, which provides pedigree analysis and mating recommendations to clients, as well as assistance identifying and inspecting potential purchases both privately and at auction. He also serves as the Director of Stallions and Breeding for Wasabi Ventures Stables. His prior industry experience included stints at Claiborne Farm, Country Life Farm, and Shug McGaughey.

Jordyn Egan is a graduate of the Race Track Industry Program (University of Arizona) and Godolphin Flying Start. She serves as the executive director for the Thoroughbred Owners of California. Growing up in Southern California, Jordyn’s early days were spent riding with friends and volunteering at a local therapeutic riding facility. Her passion for horses has not waned and she is grateful to have a fulfilling career in an industry she loves.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jen Roytz is a marketing and communications specialist based in Central Kentucky with a professional background in Thoroughbred aftercare. Over the past 10 years, Roytz served in the capacities of board member, marketing consultant and for the past four years as executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project, a nonprofit organization that works to increase demand for Thoroughbreds after racing, a role from which she stepped down at the end of 2021. Previously, Jen was the marketing director for Three Chimneys Farm, where she also served as the aftercare liaison for the farm and its clients.

Tom Erisman is a CPA and sole practitioner with a small business accounting and consulting practice based in Central Maryland. Tom has clients in various industries and locations in the U.S., as well as U.K. clients with domestic operations. Tom is a lifelong horse racing fan and became a Wasabi Ventures Stables member in early 2017. He closely follows the Wasabi horse band remotely and attends many races in person. Tom has experience with organizing and directing non-profit start-ups, plus he is currently the Contract Accountant for the Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association in West Virginia.