Board of Directors

Neda DeMayo, Founder/President

Neda has had a lifelong interest in animals, especially horses, and has provided care and rescue for horses and animals throughout her life. She has held the vision of establishing a sanctuary for animals since childhood, and in 1997 she took steps to realize that dream. Neda is also recognized as an expert in horse behavior and non-invasive horse handling methods. She has innovated the technique of The Heart of Listening and conducts numerous clinics and classes. Her background in the healing and creative arts took her all over the world exposing her to many cultures. Before launching Return to Freedom (RTF), she worked as a costume designer and fashion stylist in theater and film.

Jack Carone, Vice President

Jack joins RTF with a broad background in animal rights and protection. He was Co-Director and Media Spokesman for Los Angeles-based Last Chance for Animals (LCA) and now serves on their Board of Directors. Jack has also been Special Projects Director and a contributing writer for The Animals' Voice Magazine. He spent 8 years as the volunteer coordinator and Park and Operations Manager for Tree People in Coldwater Canyon Park, a 44-acre rustic wilderness preserve in the Santa Monica Mountains. Before devoting himself to animal issues, Jack also had a career in the music and entertainment industries.

William DeMayo, Co-Founder, Treasurer

Bill began his career as a field examiner for the IRS and is a retired partner of Ernst & Young. Turning attention to education, he then became a full professor at the University of New Haven, Connecticut, where he also served as Treasurer and a Planned Giving Officer. He has served and been honored by numerous professional associations devoted to taxation, financial management and estate planning. Bill is a graduate of the Wharton School, holds an M.B.A. in taxation and is a C.P.A.

Cindy Rackley, Director

Cindy is an Animal Communicator, Reiki Master/Teacher and Energy Medicine practitioner. She has 45 years of experience in the horse industry and 30 years in the healing arts. Cindy has been involved with Return to Freedom since 2002, on the Advisory Board since 2003 and a Board member since 2006.

Barbara Hill, Marketing & Outreach

Barbara Hill grew up an animal lover on Long Island, New York. The family joke was how many animals—both on land and sea—bit, punctured, stampeded, stung, or otherwise repelled her friendly “I just want to pet” advances. Everyone lost count, but she has some scars as proud mementos.

Barbara spent her 20s and 30s accumulating degrees—undergrad from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts; education from Oxford University while she lived in England; and an MBA in marketing and finance from Northwestern during a Chicago stint.

Barbara’s professional career has been in healthcare—from writing, editing, and publishing to VP, planning and marketing, for a hospital in Arcadia, CA. For the past 14 years, she has been an independent contractor for the Hospital Association of Southern California (a regional organization of the California Hospital Association), doing research, writing, and political advocacy. While living in Pasadena, she served the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA—both on fundraising events and on the board.

Barbara lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and two cats. Her passions are animal welfare, politics, baseball, everything Italian, and cooking.

HONORARY BOARD

Babatunde Folayemi

Babatunde served as City Councilman in Santa Barbara, CA. Prior to that position he was Executive Director of The Santa Barbara Pro-Youth Coalition, a community-based initiative to end gang violence. His work in this area has earned him nation-wide acclaim.

ADVISORY BOARD

Policy Issues and Advocacy

Virginie L. Parant, Esq.
Laura Moretti, Animals Voice

Education

Gawani Pony Boy
Carolyn Resnick, Dances with Horses
Angelique Midthunder
David Midthunder

Development

Tatjana Patitz
Nancye Franzoni
Peggy & Donald Petrie
Andrea Eastman
Mary Douris
Sigi McCormick

Equine Wellness & Conservation

Jay Kirkpatrick
John Fusco
Dr E. Gus Cothran
CaseyJones

Habitat Restoration & Conservation

John Bechtold
Natasha Lomus

YOUTH PROGRAM ADVISORS

Diana Demayo
Mary Petrie

I-Team Special Report: Stampede to Oblivion

Award winning journalist George Knapp exposes problems in the wild horse & burro program.

We would like to thank the ASPCA for a very generous 3-Year grant commitment, and for their continued support and friendship.

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors for their ongoing generosity and support.