Susan Lephart, PhD, a seasoned professional specializing in nonprofit organizations, research foundations, grant funding, and programmatic transitions, has joined the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs’ team as an executive-in-residence and research coordinator.

In her role, which began Feb. 21, Lephart will provide leadership support to further develop and implement the organization’s new strategic plan and its emerging initiatives. She will also provide community outreach and will engage in sponsorship support and fundraising for infrastructure and facilities.

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with the outstanding team of the UK Ag Equine Program, and I look forward to partnering with their existing leadership to further develop and implement the proposed 2015-2020 strategic plan that they have worked so thoughtfully to create,” Lephart said. “In getting started, I am most excited about my role in helping to implement the strategic plan inclusive of relevant metrics for each of the identified goals. My three priorities in this new position are the emerging initiatives identified within the strategic plan, along with community outreach to leverage resources that will advance and market the program to more of an international level, and engaging in sponsor support and fundraising for much-needed programmatic facilities and infrastructure.

“Additionally, my background and passion for research and all things equine makes this such a synergistic fit for me, so I will naturally be interested in the continuing successes and growth of the outstanding research program for which the program is so well-known,” she