Mary Beth Stanton, Vice President

Dr. Mary Beth Stanton, DVM, Dipl. ACT is a well known veterinarian in the Ocala area specializing in equine reproduction at Equine Veterinary Reproduction Specialists of Ocala. She grew up in Westbrook, Connecticut where she began riding at an early age. She obtained a degree in Pathobiology at the University of Connecticut, then attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She entered private practice for seven years before returning to Auburn to specialize in Theriology. She is a member of the American College of Theriogenology, the Society for Theriogenology, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners. Mary Beth is also a partner in Sovereign Farm, an Ocala-based stallion station. She has been an integral part of MTRA's board for over four years and keeps a watchful eye on our horses, frequently providing her expert services at little or no cost. Her industry connections in the area have been a gift to the organization from helping us find the right supplier to bringing volunteers or gentle horses to our door.

Richard Heysek, Treasurer

Richard joined the MTRA board in the spring of 2012, after meeting Tami Johnson through mutual interests in his Veterinary Care Foundation. Richard attended the University of Tampa, the University of Florida and Ohio State University and received his M.B.A. from Indiana University. He has 30 years of foundation experience and has held senior level positions at Harvard Medical School, Wake Forest University, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He moved from Tampa to the Ocala area in 2012 and has since enjoyed small farm ownership, acquiring his first Morgan horse and is now discovering the many facets of our Florida Thoroughbred industry. Through his Veterinary Care Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit that boasts over 500 members country-wide, he has helped dozens of veterinary practices improve their bottom lines by developing charitable funding sources to support their free and discounted care activities for homeless animals, service animals and pets whose owners cannot afford extensive care. Richard's passion for helping animals and people has been the guiding force throughout his career and he puts his many talents and energies into MTRA by spearheading the Development Committee, as well as being an able bodied helper and welcoming face at many MTRA events.

Dori Morgan

Dori Morgan Hyatt is originally from the heart of the midwest, Canton, Ohio, having graduated from Ohio University. She is the Branch Manager of Farm Credit Services of North Florida in Ocala and is also co-owner with her husband, Freddie Hyatt, of Hyatt Farm in Morriston, where they breed, raise and train Thoroughbred race horses for themselves as well as outside clients. Dori is an avid driving enthusiast, having competed with her Haflinger at the prestigious Live Oak International CDE, as well as other combined driving events in and around Florida. She is an active community organizer and is involved with the Ocala Chamber & Economic Partnership as well as the Williston Animal Rescue Group. Dori's long association with all things horsey in Ocala has been a vital component to the MTRA Board and it's ability to connect and drive forward in the community. We are thrilled to have her with us and treasure her input and ideas for our future.

Vinson Willits

Vinson Willits is a relative newcoming to Ocala after moving here with his lovely wife, Charlene, in 2006 after working for various firms in the banking, brokerage and insurance industries in Ohio. They work together at Willits Wealth Management, Inc. in Ocala and specialize in helping clients address their financial goals. He is a "Certified Financial Planner™" and a "Certified Retirement Counselor™". Vinson joined the board in January 2012 and has already become a familiar face at MTRA Greenway and at events, both fundraising and volunteer recruiting. He is currently spearheading our Grant Acquisition efforts and his enthusiasm and fresh ideas are helping to MTRA to keep their eye on the future.