SMART seeks new leader

EAST COUNTY — Longtime volunteer Gail Clifton is back in the saddle at Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. 

Although Clifton never left her role of overseeing SMART’s therapeutic horseback riding program, she has takenthe reigns again as volunteer interim executive director, following the resignation of former executive director Christine Kasten last month. 

“The board and I certainly wish her well in her future endeavors,” Clifton said, declining further comment.

Kasten served as the organization's first paid executive director from April 13 to July 24.

Clifton and board members are in the midst of a search for a new executive director who can focus on fundraising to meet the nonprofit's needs and goals, while Clifton continues to focus on programming and volunteers. Fundraising will be key in helping the organization grow, and also to meet its goals of paying off the mortgage for its facility off County Road 675 and having its arena covered so classes can continue rain or shine.

“We’re really at a point where we really need a professional fundraiser at our helm,” Clifton said. “They aren’t replacing me with someone like me. We need someone who is really focused on generating revenue.”

Clifton, who served as volunteer executive director for 12 years, said the board already is interviewing prospective candidates, and may have a new executive director selected by the end of the week.

“There’s a time when an organization needs new energy and new ideas to get to that next level,” said Clifton, adding eventually SMART hopes to hire a development director once she completely retires. “It’s really important we (find someone) with commitment, compassion, energy and connection to our mission. We need to expand our SMART family. We need new donors and support.”

SMART this year will have served more than 550 adults and children with disabilities, compared with 433 last year. 

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].