Our Board of Directors
If you have the time and the desire to become part of the team that insures that MTRA will continue to provide wonderful opportunities to challenged individuals through therapeutic horseback riding, the MTRA Board of Directors may be just the reward for you. Please contact Jerry Deese or Catherine Sears to discuss opportunities as a Board Member.
Jerry Deese
President
Jerry Deese, a retired Veteran, Accountant, and Financial Analyst, joined the Board of Directors in 2020. He has ridden in the therapeutic riding program at MTRA as a Veteran and also living with Multiple Sclerosis. In 1986, he supervised financial management and services activities including appropriation, cost expense, operating and capital property accounts. He then became a Cost Accountant for
esponsible for analyzing financial information and preparing financial reports to determine and maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, and financial activities. He developed,esponsible for accurate and timely analysis and reporting of all inventory and cost of sales transactions to senior management on a monthly basis. Jerry also served in the Florida Air National Guard for eight years.
Pam Pierceall, DVM
Vice President
Connie Sich
Director
Connie is a native of Michigan, where she lived on the water most of her life. She graduated in 1976 with a License in Cosmetology, and then moved on to the Automotive industry, retiring from General Motors after 35 years of service. In those years, she has performed many jobs—although most of her career was spent in the Quality Assurance arena, coordinating the approval of new components and changes for Steering Columns. She has also owned and operated apartments and flipped many houses, as she learned many building skills from her father’s construction company.
She moved to Florida in 2017 with her husband, Robin, having been together since 1999. She has a blended family of three children (living in Michigan), one a Doctor of Pharmacy at the VA Hospital, another in commercial insurance sales, and the youngest an accountant and CFO. She also misses her four grandchildren ranging in age from two to seven, and wishes she saw them more often!
Connie’s interest in horses started as a young child accompanying her father to see his two race horses. She has been involved in the horse world throughout her life, from horse ownership, riding lessons (her and her daughter), and competing in shows on a very small scale. After moving south, she found that she really missed them, and discovering MTRA as a volunteer in 2023 has brought her back full circle. Even though she joined for the horses, it was the joy that came from the rider’s interaction with them that kept her coming back. She recently joined the Board in October of 2024.
Some of her favorite activities are sailing, beach tennis, water volleyball, and golf. In her spare time, she helps people in need with yard maintenance. “MTRA has had many changes since I started here. My true passion is grounds and maintenance, and I have learned a great deal throughout my days at the ranch. I hope to continue my service for many years to come.”
Jason Reynolds
Director
Jason moved from Tallahassee to Ocala in January 2018 and accepted the position of Executive Director of the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority, also known as the Florida Horse Park.
In the short time Jason has been at the Park he has added over $4.5 million in capital investments and eliminated nearly half a million dollars in debts – making the Park 100% debt free. In addition, the parks annual revenue was increased by three times while lobbying the state for over $10 million in funding.
Jason is a proud Air Force Veteran who was deployed to the Middle East Region on two occasions and during that time, was awarded the Air Force Law Enforcement Airman of the year. After serving in the Air Force, he worked as the Operations Coordinator for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association in Tallahassee and was later promoted to the Director of Public Policy where he strived to protect, educate, and promote the diverse interests of Florida’s hospitality industry before Florida and Federal lawmakers.
Along with being a sub-par groom for his 3-day eventer fiancée, Jason is extremely engaged in the local community and serves on several boards. He is the Chairman of the Marion County CEP Equine Advocacy Board, and he is Vice-Chairman of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Political Action Committee. He was picked by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners to serve on the Tourist Development Council and chosen by his peers to attend Leadership of Marion County Class number 36.
Jason is passionate about helping veterans, animals, and local heroes. He and his fiancée Jayne, have three dogs (Kooper, Boomer and Sadie) and a horse (Monee). MTRA is thankful that Jason has found time in his busy schedule to join us as a Director on our board, and his input has been invaluable since he joined us in 2021.
Melanie Bozeman
Director
Melanie is an Ocala native with strong family ties in Louisiana where she visits often. Melanie is the proud mother to one son, D.J. Her interest in MTRA was stimulated when searching for a summer camp for her son to attend and she discovered the great opportunities that were offered at MTRA’s Camp Caballo. While DJ is not a special needs child, he gained great pride in being at the camp, which is opened to challenged kids as well as those more fortunate. He met new friends with all levels of abilities, as well as assisted in the everyday chores and upkeep of the animals. What a great atmosphere to allow your child to experience! Melanie has been a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker since 1988. Currently, Melanie is working with a prospering local hydraulics company here in Ocala, which is proving to be a good match with her family background in heavy equipment. She is proud to have helped open and manage several companies utilizing her broad knowledge in business with a heavy accent on accounting. When not working or volunteering, Melanie enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, beach outings and other outdoor activities offered here in our beautiful Marion County area. Melanie joined our board in October 2015 and served as Treasurer from 2018-2022.
Pat Morrow
Director
Pat Morrow is a retired marketing professional with decades of experience in branding, external communications, and marketing. During her career, she worked in industries including consumer goods, such as western apparel and home décor; prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products; and turf and pest management. She has worked at internationally recognized advertising and public relations agencies, and global corporations such as GlaxoSmithKline, BASF, and Bayer. She has worked and lived in several countries, including Japan, South Korea, England, France and Germany.
Pat earned a BA in Journalism/Communications from Wilkes University, and an MBA from Duke University. She is certified in digital marketing from Columbia University, and tradeshow marketing from Northern Illinois University. She has received numerous industry awards, including the prestigious Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America.
She moved to The Villages in 2022, with her husband Bob, a retired graphic designer and artist, and their American Staffordshire Terrier-mix, Boogie. They have a son, Matthew, who also lives in Florida. In addition to volunteering with MTRA, Pat is active in her church, St. Mark the Evangelist in Summerfield, Florida, and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #347 Lady Lake, Florida. She is also a member of the Esoteric Equestrian Book Club in Ocala and the Villages Polo Boosters Club. When she’s not doing these any of these, she can be found playing pickleball, Mahjongg, or attending polo games at The Villages Polo Club. One of her favorite activities is walking Boogie along The Villages polo grounds, and visiting the polo horses who live there. Her interest in horses started with her uncle, who owned several horses, and taught her to ride as a young child. Although she hasn’t ridden since childhood (when her uncle passed away), her interest in horses was reignited through the Villages Polo Club. Through working with MTRA, she found that she loves taking care of horses, working with them and learning about them. Pat became the latest asset to our board in October 2024.