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 and 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. 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.
James Hagman, vice president
James Hagman is the Founder, Head Coach, and Instructor at Elvenstar, one of the leading equestrian training programs in the United States. As the visionary behind Elvenstar, he not only designed and developed the facility from the ground up, but also built a dynamic business and training model that continues to evolve with the sport. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to innovation, horsemanship, and excellence in rider development.
Jim is known for his systematic and enthusiastic teaching approach, emphasizing clear communication between horse and rider. His training methods have produced numerous top riders, with notable wins and placings at major competitions across North America. With a broad horsemanship background—including Western, dressage, and hunter/jumper disciplines—he has studied under elite horsemen and collaborates with world-class trainers throughout North America, Europe, and Latin America.
In addition to his work at Elvenstar, Jim is a part-time coach at Stanford University and has been featured in national publications such as Practical Horseman and The Chronicle of the Horse.
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 eliminating 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 of his work, Stephen brings a commitment to health, safety, and performance—values that align closely with the mission of the Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation.
The Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation's Medical Advisory Board's members are leading medical practitioners providing the medical director and the Foundation support on current best practices.
Dr. Michele Hollis, Medical Director, chair
Dr. Michele Hollis is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over two decades of experience providing high-level medical care and promoting safety in both clinical and athletic environments. 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.
Dr. Hollis is a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. She now focuses her practice on the care of private equestrian clients, bringing medical expertise to a sport she is passionate about. Her commitment to athlete health has included volunteer service at the USOPC Sports Medicine Clinic in Colorado Springs, and she currently serves as Chair of the USHJA Safety Committee.
In her role as Medical Director, Dr. Hollis plays a vital role in shaping the Foundation’s approach to health, injury prevention, and emergency preparedness in equestrian sport.
Dr. Meeryo Christa Choe
Dr. Brenton P. Hill
Dr. Mereze Visagie Roy
Dr. Nicholas Sama
The Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation's Equestrian Advisory Board's members are active equestrians whose role is to provide health and safety guidance to enhance the Foundation's mission.
Mr. Eric Straus, chair
Mr. Kevin Babbington
Ms. Tatiana Dzavik
Mr. Will Hasleden
Ms. Laura Kraut
Ms. Stacia Madden
Ms. Callie Schott