Southlands Foundation 2026 Board Candidates
Candidates for two year terms
Cathleen Tobin
Michael Lancto
Kathy Zitz
Not being voted on, in the middle of two year terms
Jacob Leach
Liz Golden Hilton
Suzanne Battenfeld
Candidates for one year initial terms
Frank Watkins
Frank Watkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from VCU and a B.A. in English from Hampden-Sydney College. He has worked in residential and medical facilities treating addiction and mental health disorders and managed a nonprofit peer recovery support center funded through a federal SAMHSA grant. Frank also served on the Alumni Board of The Collegiate School. A Virginia transplant, he and his wife, Emily, enjoy exploring the Hudson Valley’s art, history, and natural beauty.
Ben Galison
Ben Galison moved to the Rhinebeck area in 2025 with his wife, Sabrina Hollander, and their son, Emmett, who has been riding for nearly a decade and immediately found a home at Southlands. Ben previously volunteered in
Northern Virginia as a wildlife transporter and at a horse rescue facility, and brings more than 10 years of nonprofit board experience, including several years as treasurer. Professionally, he has held leadership roles in sales, consulting, and operations management within the technology sector and currently leads revenue operations for a New York City–based software and AI company. He looks forward to helping advance Southlands’ mission.
Gabrielle Migliore
Gabrielle Migliore has been part of the Southlands community since 2010. Southlands is where she developed a lifelong love of horses, highlighted by her special bond with Forever Blue (“Rosie”), the pony she learned to ride on.
Rosie is now living out her very well-deserved retirement at Gabrielle’s parents' farm after teaching many Southlands students. Today, Gabrielle serves as Racing Relations Associate at the New York Racing Association and is a member of the Equine Advisory Committee for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, supporting equine care and the integration of therapy horses. She is honored to support Southlands’ continued growth while helping preserve the values and community that have shaped her journey.