Henry’s Home Horse and Human Sanctuary, a Montgomery County-based nonprofit, announced the retirement of its founder Donna Stedman amid the celebration of its 10th anniversary, according to a June 20 news release.

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The nonprofit serves veterans and first responders through equine-assisted learning, according to the news release.

“I am grateful to the unwavering support of our staff, volunteers, and community in fulfilling our mission of service to our horses and heroes. They have worked tirelessly by my side to build the start of something bigger than us,” Stedman said via news release. “Now, I can leave what we have started in the good hands of our dedicated board of directors and staff while I enjoy the next season of my life.”

Darlene Gagnon, who was previously the vice president of the nonprofit’s board of directors, is serving as interim CEO, according to the news release.


“Darlene brings a wealth of knowledge, having successfully run three businesses. Her business acumen and strategic vision are invaluable assets to our organization,” Jason Petrie, president of the board of directors, said via news release. “The board united behind her decision to take on the interim CEO role for the next 18 months, confident in her ability to lead us toward becoming a premier horse sanctuary and equine-assisted learning center.”