Brooke USA announces the election of two new members to its Board of Directors. The new members are esteemed leaders with a passion for improving the health, welfare, and productivity of working horses, donkeys, and mules, and have been selected to serve alongside an already impressive list of equestrian and business influencers who guide Brooke USA’s success.

Amal Murgian who resides in San Francisco, CA, is no stranger to Brooke USA’s work having been educated in the United Kingdom where Brooke, Brooke USA’s sister organization, has a strong “hoofprint” and the charity’s work is highly recognized. Moreover, Amal is a native of Kenya where Brooke and Brooke USA invest significant funds to improve the welfare of working equines and the livelihoods of people.

Amal has made a career in management consulting and finance and has a longstanding involvement with philanthropic work in the United States and Africa. With her family, Amal supports numerous organizations seeking to ensure economic sustainability for people in Africa, especially women and girls. Amal also serves as Chair of the Africa Board of Ripple Effect, an organization that fights poverty and builds sustainable livelihoods in eastern Africa.

“Working equines are the engines that mobilize the developing world. They fetch water from remote rivers; transport produce to local markets and carry children to school. These animals are essential to families living in poverty,” explained Amal. “Supporting projects that are making a tangible difference for those who need it most has always given me great joy and a true sense of accomplishment. Now, serving on the Board allows me to deepen that commitment by gaining insight into program management and execution, and to apply my own knowledge and experience to further strengthen and advance this vital work.”

Kathy Virtue lives in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and brings more than 40 years of distinguished business experience in NASCAR racing, where she was widely regarded as a trusted advisor to corporate sponsors. Through her agency, Kathy represented more than a dozen national championship-level corporate campaigns, with a particular focus on community relations and corporate social responsibility.

A recent widow, Kathy is drawn to organizations with a clear and meaningful purpose. She found that alignment in Brooke USA, an organization she describes as deeply mission-minded and uniquely focused on improving the lives of both people and animals. In 2025, Kathy chaired Brooke USA’s inaugural Donkey Dance in Southern Pines, NC, an event that significantly increased awareness of the critical role working equines play in vulnerable communities while more than doubling its fundraising goals.

Kathy has traveled extensively throughout Africa, India and the Middle East and has witnessed firsthand the urgent need for improved husbandry training, accessible veterinary care, and community education. These experiences, combined with her strategic expertise and lifelong commitment to equestrianism and animal welfare, give her a valuable perspective as Brooke USA expands its programs across the region.

Reflecting on her involvement, Kathy shared, “I am honored to work alongside Brooke USA’s extraordinary Board members and staff, whose passion, integrity, and dedication are creating real and lasting change. Together, we are not only advancing better animal welfare practices but also strengthening the livelihoods of the people who depend on these animals every day.”

Brooke USA’s Board of Directors is currently led by Dr. James “Jim” Hamilton, who noted about the recent Board appointments that, “reaching those with a passion for the equestrian sport across the country remains a priority for this nonprofit, as we work together to expand geographically, reach more supporters and grow Brooke USA for the benefit of people and animals in need.”

“Our newest Board members embody the spirit of Brooke USA and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table,” stated Emily Dulin, Chief Executive Officer. “We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to increase brand recognition and build a strong foundation of donors and friends throughout the country.”

Brooke USA’s 2026 Board of Directors is comprised of:

Officers:

Directors-at-large:

Join Brooke USA and Brooke USA's Ocala Regional Advisory Council on May 30 for a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of donkeys and the people who love them and stop by our booth to learn how we’re improving the lives of working equines worldwide. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, including coloring and meeting our beloved Brooke USA Equine Friends—making it a heartwarming day of connection, education, and community you won’t want to miss.

Friends, supporters, and advocates of Brooke USA in The Foothills of The Carolinas recently gathered for an inspiring cocktail reception at the Mirrorball Gallery in Tryon, NC, where guests learned more about Brooke USA Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys, and mules and the communities that depend on them around the world.

The exclusive evening welcomed approximately 75 guests who enjoyed cocktails, conversation, and the opportunity to appreciate the gallery’s remarkable collection of contemporary art in one of Tryon’s most unique cultural venues.

Leading the evening was Dr. David Jones, who shared the remarkable history of the Brooke family of charities and the enduring legacy of founder Dorothy Brooke. Dr. Jones reflected on more than 50 years of volunteer service with Brooke, including his time serving on the Board of Trustees of Brooke in the United Kingdom. He also spoke about the founding of Brooke USA and the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting working equines and the people who rely on them for survival and livelihoods across the developing world.

Guests also heard from Sally Frick, Board Member of Brooke USA and Chair and Founder of Brooke USA’s celebrated annual event, Divertimentos & Dressage. During the reception, she officially announced the date for the sixth year Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage in The Foothills, which will take place on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage is an anticipated event in the region, uniquely blending the beauty of dressage with live musical performance by the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening benefiting Brooke USA’s global mission.

“We are honored to bring together such a passionate and caring community through Divertimentos & Dressage,” said Sally Frick. “The evening celebrates the extraordinary bond between horses and humans while helping Brooke USA continue its vital work improving the lives of working equines and the families who depend on them around the world.”

Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA, addressed guests and shared updates on current projects funded by Brooke USA across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. She highlighted programs focused on veterinary outreach, education, access to care, disaster response, and sustainable community partnerships that improve the well-being of working equines and strengthen livelihoods for families who depend on them.

Located in the heart of Tryon’s vibrant arts scene, The Mirrorball provided a sophisticated and welcoming backdrop for the evening, allowing guests to enjoy both philanthropy and fine art in an intimate setting.

To learn more about Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage on October 8, 2026 in Tryon, NC, please visit www.BrookeUSAEvents.org.

Become an Equine Guardian: Small Monthly Gifts, Lasting Global Impact

The work of protecting vulnerable working horses, donkeys, and mules around the world depends on compassion—and consistency. That is why Brooke USA invites you to become an Equine Guardian, a special community of supporters whose monthly gifts provide reliable, year-round support for the animals and families who rely on them.

Joining is simple, meaningful, and flexible. A monthly gift—of any size—adds up to powerful impact over time, and every contribution is tax-deductible.

When you become an Equine Guardian today, you help provide hope, safety, and dignity for countless equine-human partnerships tomorrow.

Start your monthly impact today by becoming a Guardian at www.brookeusa.org/guardians

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and be their advocate by spreading the word.

If you’re interested in how to help at this moment, your Donor Advised Fund could bridge the gap in our funding – making sure that our core programs continue uninterrupted while we navigate these challenging times.

Many of our donors choose to give from their assets such as stocks, gifts from their IRA, and grants from Donor Advised Funds to receive even larger tax savings.   

EIN number 33-1173163