Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm is delighted to introduce our new Executive Director, Kerri Whalen. Kerri’s passion for nonprofit work and her commitment to our mission make her a perfect fit for the job, and we can’t wait to see where she takes the organization next!
Kerri says “I am thrilled and honored to join the team at Ironstone; it is truly a special place. The horses and the environment at the farm are giving individuals and families hope, happiness, and connection and it is life-changing to witness and be a part of.”
You can read Kerri’s full letter below. Please join us in giving Kerri a warm welcome to the farm!
Dear Friends of Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm,
I am excited to announce that I have joined Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm as the new Executive Director. What an honor it is to be a part of the dedicated and compassionate community of volunteers, staff, and supporters.
I have spent the past couple of weeks getting acclimated to life at the farm and immediately, I could see the love and respect that everyone has for each other and for those served. Ironstone is truly a special place and I could not be more thrilled to be a part of it.
As I step out into the role of Executive Director, one of my main priorities is to continue fostering meaningful working relationships and collaborations. As we step out of COVID and some of the uncertainty that has developed as a result, I am optimistic that we will continue to make a positive and lasting impact through our collective work.
My background includes work as a clinician, Program Director, and later Development Director with more than fifteen years of experience in grant development, corporate giving, individual fundraising, and project management. I also served as Deputy Executive Director for an organization serving adults with autism, where I was fortunate to lead teams to deliver outstanding client and stakeholder experiences and identified best practices on internal practices with an eye on the long-term vision of the organization.
I bring a deep passion and understanding of the mission and vision of Challenge Unlimited and Ironstone Farm and am committed to continuing to make it a place where hope and happiness are experienced and shared. Our nonprofit was founded with the purpose of creating opportunities for connection and growth for the people and families we serve and as I look to the future of Ironstone and the community, I do so through this lens.
Please join me in thanking Ironstone icon, Deedee O’Brien whose tireless efforts over these past 30 years as founder and executive director, planted the strong roots that have made Ironstone what it is today. Thank you, Deedee, for your continued dedication to this organization and those we serve as well as your role as a mentor to me. Your legacy will live on!
I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you — our donors, volunteers, partners, and neighbors — and invite you to stop by and say hello anytime. Please look out for continued communication about our upcoming events. Ironstone is poised for growth and I couldn’t be more excited for the future!
I appreciate your continued support of Ironstone and look forward to sharing our stories and news with you.
Sincerely,
Kerri Whalen