Leadership

Behind the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation is a distinguished leadership team of medical experts, industry leaders, and advocates with a deep commitment to equestrian sport, athlete safety, and the advance of evidence-based standards.

Learn more about our leadership team below.

Board of Directors

Eric Straus, President

Eric L. Straus brings decades of leadership and deep-rooted experience in the equestrian industry and nonprofit management to his role as President of the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation. A senior executive with a proven track record in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, he has led organizations across the equine industry, sports and event management, museums, hospitality, and foundations. His expertise includes turnaround leadership, strategic marketing, government relations, and securing major grant funding.

Within the equestrian community, Mr. Straus is a respected official and administrator. He is a USEF Jumper Judge, USEF Steward, and FEI Level 3 Steward. He currently serves as Vice President of the International Officials Club, Vice-Chairman of USHJA Zone 4, and sits on the USHJA Horse and Rider Advocates Committee. He also serves as Chair of the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation’s Equestrian Advisory Board, helping guide the Foundation’s efforts to advance safety standards across the sport. His previous roles include Executive Director of the American Horse Shows Association, CEO of the Washington International Horse Show, Technical Coordinator for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, Chairman of USHJA Zones 3 and 7, and President of the Texas Hunter and Jumper Association.

Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in international negotiations, Mr. Straus also brings extensive experience in board governance, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic engagement. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing the safety, well-being, and success of horses and riders at every level of equestrian sport.

Sue Harada, Secretary and Treasurer

Sue Harada is a seasoned financial professional with a passion for helping individuals and organizations strengthen their financial foundations. She was introduced to the equestrian world in 2004 when she became Chief Financial Officer of the Capital Challenge Horse Show. In 2017, she founded Equine Financial, a firm specializing in bookkeeping and business consulting for equestrian-related businesses.

Sue currently serves as Executive Director and Director of Finance for the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). She joined WIHS in 2020 as Director of Finance, successfully steering the organization through two unprecedented years at Tryon International Equestrian Center during the COVID-19 pandemic and leading its subsequent transition to The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Her leadership, financial acumen, and dedication to the equestrian community continue to shape and support the sport’s long-term success.

Jesse Smith

Jesse brings a unique combination of legal, business, and equestrian expertise to the Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation. A lifelong equestrian, she has been riding and competing since 1992 and now dedicates herself to the sport full-time.

In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Jesse has an accomplished professional background in federal tax law, bankruptcy law, and mergers and acquisitions. She also operated a vertically integrated cosmetic raw materials manufacturing company. Her leadership experience includes serving on the Board of Directors of the prestigious Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

Stephen Nessel

Stephen is a results-driven senior leader with a proven track record of leadership across financial services, human resources, risk management, information technology, healthcare, and direct marketing. Stephen now focuses on executive coaching and small business consulting, helping leaders achieve clarity, growth, and measurable results.

Stephen is the co-founder and CEO of Tull MD Skincare, the first medical-grade, luxury skincare and sunscreen brand developed specifically for equestrian athletes and the people who support them. Tull MD is dedicated to advancing skin health and preventing skin cancer in the equestrian community. He also serves as a director of The In Gate, Inc., a curated equestrian lifestyle boutique celebrating the unique connection between rider, horse, and sport.

In all his work, Stephen brings a commitment to health, safety, and performance—values that closely align with the mission of the Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation.

Medical Director

Dr. Michele Hollis, MD

Dr. Hollis is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over two decades of experience providing high-level medical care and advancing safety in both clinical and athletic settings. She earned her medical degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and completed her residency training at the University of Virginia and the Medical College of Virginia.

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. She has dedicated her practice to the care of private equestrian clients at all levels of sport, including Olympic-level athletes, combining extensive medical expertise with a longstanding passion for equestrian sport. Through a concierge-style approach to care, she provides highly personalized medical support tailored to the unique demands of riders and the equestrian lifestyle. She serves as Chair of the USJHA Safety Committee and is a member of the USEF Human and Equine Safety & Welfare Committee. She has also served to the needs of athletes at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

In addition to serving as Medical Director, Dr. Hollis also chairs the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation’s Medical Advisory Board, where she helps guide the Foundation’s work in health, injury prevention, and emergency preparedness across equestrian sport.

Medical Advisory Board

Leading physicians from across the country, representing multiple specialties and bringing direct equestrian expertise and interests, provide the Foundation and its Medical Director with expert guidance on current best practices in athlete health, safety, and emergency preparedness.

Dr. Meeryo Christa Choe, MD

Pediatric Sports Neurology

UCLA

Dr. Erica Force, PhD, LP, CMPC

Sports Psychologist

United States Olympic & Paraolympic Committee

Dr. Sara Gould, MD, MPH

Primary Care Sports Medicine

University of Florida at World Equestrian Center

Dr. Brenton Hill, MD, MPH

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Wellington, FL

Dr. Sara Kepple, DO

Family Medicine

near Upperville, VA

Dr. Mereze Visagie Roy, DO

Family Medicine

Mayo Clinic Florida

Dr. Nicholas Sama, MD

Orthopedic & Trauma Surgeon

Hospital for Special Services Florida

Equestrian Advisory Board

Distinguished equestrian leaders and active elite competitors whose firsthand perspective and practical insight are paramount in helping shape the Foundation’s health and safety mission.