Events at TerraNova Welcomes Molly Oakman as President
May 21, 2024, Myakka City, FL - Events at TerraNova is pleased to announce the appointment of Molly Oakman of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, as President. Oakman brings decades of experience across the equestrian sports, agriculture, and rural development industries.
Oakman’s involvement in equestrian sports began as a child in western North Carolina, where she grew up competing on the Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper circuit and in college with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). She followed her passion for horses upon her return to her hometown and accepted a role at Tryon International Equestrian Center over nine years ago. Throughout her time at Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort, Oakman held many roles including Community Relations and Events Manager, and Guests’ Service Manager. Oakman quickly progressed to overseeing all equestrian-related event logistics, equine facilities, and competition licensing to include a year-round calendar of over 46 weeks of multi-discipline competition and equestrian activity as the Director of Equestrian Operations.
Oakman has served as a member of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games organizing committee and Executive Director of Race Operations for the Tryon Block House Steeplechase since 2017. She has been involved with managing events for multiple equestrian affiliates including the Federation Equestrian International (FEI), United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), United States Eventing Association (USEA), National Steeplechase Association (NSA), United States Pony Club (USPC), United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and United States Para Dressage, United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), United States Mounted Games Association (USMGA), Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), Special Olympics, Professional Bull Riding (PBR), and World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA).
Molly Oakman and her miniature horses, Pumpkin and Daisy. The pair of minis are in training to join programming with Equilibrium at TerraNova.
“We are so excited to formally announce the selection of Molly Oakman as our President. With her wealth of experience, expertise, and respect within the horse industry, we feel Molly is the perfect leader to guide TerraNova into its next chapter of growth and excellence,” said Natalee Herrig, Co-CEO, TerraNova. “We have built a solid foundation and assembled a stellar team, positioning ourselves on a trajectory of success. Molly’s arrival strengthens this momentum through her knowledge and innovative spirit. Her leadership will undoubtedly propel us forward to achieve and exceed our goals.”
After a record 2023-2024 season, Oakman is looking forward to leading TerraNova Equestrian Center into its next chapter of growth. “My family and I are so excited about this opportunity to be a part of the TerraNova team, and we look forward to supporting the economic growth and job creation that this special project will bring to Myakka City,” Oakman said. “In this next phase of development, we will continue to build on the foundation created by the Herrig and Ketelboeter families by growing our offerings and amenities whilst maintaining the integrity of the sport, the safety of our competitors and horses, and with respect for nature. I will support additional project development with an emphasis on TerraNova’s unique features as a world-class equestrian lifestyle destination through sustainable efforts poised to support the environment and the community.”
