Lexington, KY (November 3, 2011) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Miki Christophersen has been named the 2011 USDF Volunteer of the Year Award.  This award recognizes a USDF member who, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities, has demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF's mission.  As the winner, Miki will be presented with a perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta, which is permanently on display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, will be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, and will receive a "keeper" trophy.
            Miki, of Overland Park, KS, has made major contributions as a volunteer to dressage on the national, regional, and local level.  As a USDF supporter for more than 20 years, Miki began volunteering on the local level with her Group Member Organization (GMO) Kansas City Dressage Society (KCDS) in the early 80s, assisting with events and scribing for their competitions, which she still does today.  Throughout her years with KCDS, she has served in many capacities on their board of directors as well as serving as president from 1987-88. 
          In addition to her work on the local level, Miki has also been very involved with USDF on the national level as well, serving as Region 4 Director from 1990-1994 and as chairperson of the USDF Nominating Council from 2002-2011.  In 2009, she was appointed to the Committee on Governance and subsequently chaired or served on several sub-committees and working groups related to this project.  In 2011, Miki also became chair of the At-Large Director Implementation Working group. 
            Apart from her outstanding volunteer work, Miki is also a USDF L Graduate with Distinction, played an integral role in raising funds for the USDF National Education Center, and, with the Nominating Council and staff, has brought the balloting and voting process for elected governance positions into the electronic era, improving efficiencies and providing significant savings to the organization.   
          "Miki is one of those rare people willing to work hard behind the scenes. The USDF is fortunate to have benefited from her quiet yet determined and fair approach, especially in the area of governance," added George Williams, USDF President.
          For more information on the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org or contact the USDF office at [email protected]. 

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.