24a4fa5Over the last few months, SIRE has been engaged in the process of searching for and hiring a new Executive Director.  The board spoke with many qualified candidates, and through a rigorous interview process selected Joe Wappelhorst to be SIRE’s next Executive Director.  Joe was selected for his strong passion for our clients and mission and extensive experience and knowledge in nonprofit administration, programs management, organizational development, strategic planning, and fundraising.

“Though we talked with and met several great candidates, Joe’s obvious passion for our mission combined with his kind and personable demeanor as well as his thoughtful and analytical approach to the issues at hand made him the perfect and obvious choice as the next Executive Director of SIRE.  The Board was unanimous in their decision and that is a strong statement towards the quality and fit of Joe for SIRE.  I am very excited to watch SIRE continue to work the magic that our program accomplishes under the verified leadership of this eager and heartfelt individual.  Great things are happening at SIRE!” -Sabrina Shumsky, SIRE Board President.
After attaining a Degree in Education and Theology from St. Edward University in Austin, Joe began a 20-year career in Religious Education and Church Management. In 2008, feeling the call to work with people like his sister who suffers from Epilepsy and related cognitive disabilities, Joe became the Assistant Director of the Epilepsy Foundation Texas.  At the Epilepsy Foundation Texas, Joe spent 8 years growing the organization throughout the State of Texas. For the past two years, Joe has served as the Executive Director at Literacy Advance of Houston leading the charge to provide free literacy training to thousands of adults in the Houston area.

Joe and his wife, Andrea, have two adult daughters and a wonderfully entertaining three year old grandson.

We look forward to Joe’s leadership and to supporting him as he leads SIRE to improve the quality of life for people with special needs through therapeutic horsemanship.