Kent Steffel is a Vice President, Operational Controls Mortgage Servicing
at US Bank. Kent's expertise encompasses financial oversight and operational control within the mortgage servicing sector. At US Bank, he is responsible for ensuring robust control frameworks are in place to manage operational risks and compliance. Prior to this role, Kent held several senior finance positions at Citigroup, contributing significantly to the financial operations of various divisions. His tenure included leadership roles in Mortgage and Citi Holdings Operations and Technology Finance, where he managed financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
 

Further experience includes overseeing finance for Mortgage and Auto Lending Operations and Technology, as well as Citi Cards Operations and Technology Finance. Kent also served as an Interim Mortgage Operations Financial Officer, demonstrating adaptability and leadership during transitional periods. Earlier in his career, he contributed to research initiatives at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, focusing on transportation systems and logistics. Kent holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science from Texas A&M. 

Kristi has a diverse background in nonprofit leadership, including service with organizations dedicated to supporting military members and their families. She has overseen fundraising, event organization, and helped advance initiatives centered on service, resilience, and community care.

 

With a professional background in aviation, leadership development, and business ownership, Kristi also offers experience in strategic planning, operations, risk management, relationship building, and collaborative problem-solving. Her combined experience in aviation, nonprofit

leadership, and entrepreneurship provides valuable insight into stewardship, long-term planning, mission-focused impact, and sustainable growth.
 

Driven by a strong volunteer spirit and a heart for serving others, Kristi is passionate about creating meaningful partnerships that expand outreach opportunities and strengthen the organization’s ability to serve those in need. She is committed to helping Living Hope Equine Therapy grow with purpose while remaining deeply rooted in its mission and the individuals and families it serves.

Meredith is a seasoned risk and compliance executive with 27 years of
risk, compliance, governance, and cyber security experience in various sectors. Recognized for mitigating risk and protecting revenue, she has a verifiable history of contributing directly to company growth and expansion throughout her career.

 

Professional focal points include strategic planning, regulatory compliance, cost-benefit
analysis, product marketing, product launch, competitor analysis, pricing and underwriting,
flow and bulk transaction acquisition, performance management, employee
coaching/counseling, transaction deal management, creative pipeline management, profit
reporting and forecasting, cross-functional team leadership, complex problem-solving, client
relationship management, and project management.

Judy has been a key member of the LHET even beyond her service to the LHET Board, she shares her wisdom with the staff, comfort for clients and with her many years of horse expertise, care for the horses. Judy’s tireless dedication to service can be seen as she assists LHET with daily volunteering with clients as well as special events.
 

Judy’s financial expertise is of great value to the LHET Board as the Treasurer. Her recommendations have helped guide us to be the financially responsible nonprofit we have become. Judy’s passion for Equine Therapy inspires us all and her leadership helps us grow.

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After leaving the military in 2011, he worked in law enforcement and executive protection
before stepping into the private sector. That journey led to the founding of Orange Diamond
Consulting Group — a defense and homeland security consulting firm focused on real solutions to real threats. Our mission is clear: safeguard the homeland, disrupt transnational criminal networks, protect critical infrastructure, and outpace foreign adversaries through precision, intelligence, and veteran-driven operations.
 

PK is honored to serve other veterans, assisting them transition with clarity and purpose, on the Board of Directors for Living Hope Equine Therapy, a nonprofit bringing healing through equine-assisted therapy.

Emily is a renown ranch horse competitor and photographer in North Texas specializing in Equine experiences. She brings a deep, lifelong connection to the horse world and a heart for our mission. In her own words:

"Hi, I’m Emily Jo Whitehead from Sanger, Texas where my husband Bobby (An Army vet) and I
have 2 horses that I show in the Ranch Horse classes. I’m honored to join the Living Hope
Equine Therapy board. Having had horses since a young age, I’ve long believed in the healing
power of horses—how their calm presence builds confidence, connection, and hope. I’m
excited to support Living Hope’s mission, lend my time and energy, and help grow the impact
we have on riders, families, and our North Texas community."

Troy brings an incredible wealth of experience and passion to our team. As a licensed Realtor® (License #0780072) with CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company in Denton, he knows North Texas inside and out, specializing in residential, land, and ranch properties.

Beyond real estate, Troy has an amazing background as a former firefighter and an
entrepreneur who, along with his wife, built CrossHope Cleaning LLC and Denton Maids LLC. He brings resilience, attention to detail, and a servant’s heart to everything he does.

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"I’m honored to serve on the board of Living Hope Equine Therapy and grateful for the opportunity to support a mission that means a great deal to me personally. I currently serve as Director of Sales for the Texas region at BradyPLUS, where I lead a team focused on delivering facility, foodservice, and industrial packaging solutions. I’m passionate about building strong teams, solving problems, and developing lasting relationships.
 

Outside of work, my faith and family are central to my life. My wife, Erin, and I have been
married for 26 years, and we have three sons—our youngest is graduating from high school this year, which is an exciting season for our family.

I’ve been actively involved with Living Hope Equine Therapy, serving hands-on each week, and
have seen firsthand the impact this organization has on the lives of those it serves. It’s a
privilege to now support that work at the board level.”