The people behind the Hat

The BRM Foundation runs on the dedication of people who believe in this community — horsemen, professionals, and friends who showed up when it mattered and never left

Jennifer Darst

Foundation Director and Licensed USEF "R" Judge

Jennifer Darst is a lifelong equestrian, accomplished trainer, and licensed USEF Large "R" Hunter and Equitation judge who has spent her career at the highest levels of the hunter/jumper industry. A Georgetown College graduate, Jennifer has trained riders to compete at some of the sport's most prestigious venues including the Washington International Horse Show, Devon, National Horse Show, and Spruce Meadows.

She manages Elite Show Jumping, serves on the USHJA "R" Judges Task Force Committee, and is a board member of the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association. Jennifer brings both the professional credibility and the personal heart that the BRM Foundation was built on.

Stephanie Russell Free

The BRM Foundation begins and ends with Stephanie Russell Free. When Stephanie lost her father, Bill Russell, she didn't just grieve, she acted. Inspired by the generosity that defined his life and the community that surrounded her family in their loss, Stephanie established the BRM Foundation to ensure that the equestrian world her father loved would always have somewhere to turn in times of hardship.

Stephanie's vision is simple and personal: to show up for others the way her father always did.

Founder, BRM Foundation

Sam Bielawski is a Douglasville, Georgia native with a marketing degree she'll tell you she finally gets to use. A longtime member of the equestrian community, Sam was one of the driving forces behind bringing the BRM Foundation from a heartfelt idea into a real organization. She's the connector, the communicator, and the reason half the people in this community even know BRM exists

Marketing Director

Sam Bielawski

Kaitlin came to the BRM Foundation with a simple belief — that a cause this good deserved a presence worthy of it. With over 30 years in the equestrian industry and a background in building digital brands, she took what was already working quietly within a close network and gave it the structure and platform to grow. The website you're looking at is her contribution to Bill's legacy.

Web design & digital strategy

Kaitlin A. Bell

Honorary Mentions

Some people don't have a formal title. They just show up. The BRM Foundation is grateful for the hands, hearts, and horse trailers of everyone who has contributed along the way.

Corporate Sponsors