Afghanistan Army Veteran Appointed to Saratoga WarHorse Program to Assist Veterans With Equine-Assisted Experiences
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Saratoga WarHorse Foundation board of directors has approved the appointment of Army veteran Allison Cherkosly, Ph.D. as the organization’s executive director.
Prior to her role with the foundation, Dr. Cherkosly served in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where she led civil-military operations in eastern Afghan provinces. While continuing her duties in the United States Army Reserve, Dr. Cherkosly simultaneously built a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector focusing on fundraising and organizational management. Her published research explores the philanthropy of major gift donors to higher education institutions.
“Allison’s extensive knowledge and understanding of nonprofit governance and fundraising, as well as the hardships our veterans are facing, makes her a perfect fit for this position,” said Paul Oreffice, Saratoga WarHorse board member and former CEO of Dow Chemical. “I have no doubt she will be a terrific asset to the organization and I’m thrilled to be working with her in this new role.”
In addition to her duties with WarHorse, Dr. Cherkosly teaches nonprofit fund development and grant-writing as part of the Master of Public Administration program at the University at Albany, where she also earned her Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies. Dr. Cherkosly also holds an M.B.A. and M.A. in Public Policy.
She is dedicated to the Saratoga WarHorse mission, which is to assist veterans who are suffering from invisible, psychological wounds by providing a confidential, equine-assisted experience that initiates immediate and empowering changes.
Dr. Cherkosly is preparing for the organization’s annual gala, Saratoga WarHorse Blue Spangled Gala, on Aug. 13 at the Hall of Springs. This year’s event will highlight the charity’s milestone of serving its 1,000th veteran in 2018.
Cherkosly resides in Saratoga County with her two dogs, Axel Rose and Raja.
About Saratoga WarHorse:
Since 2011, Saratoga WarHorse has assisted veterans experiencing invisible, psychological wounds as a result of their military service by providing an equine-assisted experience that initiates empowering life changes. Saratoga WarHorse aspires to be an integral part of the solution to the growing problem of veteran suicides, post-traumatic stress and other barriers to veterans leading happy, healthy lives. With no cost to veterans, the program is covered by the generosity of grateful citizens. Available to veterans from anywhere in the United States, the program serves veterans from any branch of service, no matter when or for how long they served. For more information on Saratoga WarHorse visit www.saratogawarhorse.com.
