Editor’s note: Amanda departed USDF in February 2023.
Department: Operations
Job title: Senior Operations Coordinator
What is your main task in the office?
I work with the Senior Director of Operations on annual convention planning with more responsibility focused on maintaining the convention website, planning meeting logistics, staff travel arrangements, and catering. I also assist the Senior Director of Operations with other administrative tasks, as well as providing back-up to the Accounting (Payables & Receivables), Administrative (Governance & Reception), and Operations departments (HR, Shipping & Receiving).
Members may call you concerning:
Annual convention information, including the location, dates, meeting agenda, and convention website.
How long have you been with USDF?
I started in February of 2015.
How did you get started?
Initially, I was hired at USDF as the receptionist in 2015. Then in 2016, an opening became available in the Operations department, and my current supervisor gave me the opportunity to accept the position.
What is the favorite part of your job?
There are routine tasks that I do for the Operations department and convention planning, but I also get to do different projects beyond my department, including projects that involve multiple departments and different staff. I also have the ability to participate at the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, the annual convention, and some dressage-related events at the Kentucky Horse Park. This is my favorite part of the job-it’s dynamic. It’s not just an office job. I get to experience a lot of things that I will be able to take with me throughout my career.
What is your favorite part of USDF?
As a dressage fan, I’ve enjoyed getting to see what goes into supporting our sport, the governance structure that keeps it running, and the members that keep it growing.
Share a little about yourself.
I was always a horse girl. Originally from Vermont, I grew up in 4H, was a working student many times, and mucked stalls all throughout college. I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with an Applied Animal Science degree and a specialization in Equine Management. After graduation, I worked on an island in Maine for almost two years as a barn manager. Sick of the Northeast winters and dreaming of horse country, I moved to Lexington to work as a night shift veterinary technician for a year. I learned a lot during that employment, but I knew it wasn’t for me. I lucked out when I began working for USDF, because I got to stay in the equine industry, work normal business hours, and put my administrative skills to the test. Since then, I’ve been able to put down roots in the Bluegrass- I bought my first house in 2016, which my two cats and I now call home.
