The U.S. Dressage Federation has announced that Roberta Williams, of Wellington, Florida, has been selected as USDF’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year honoree. Members recognized with this honor have demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF’s mission, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities.

As this year’s honoree, Williams will be recognized at the Friday night Salute Gala, held during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention, and presented with a perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta, which is on permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

In addition to her work as an active instructor and trainer, Williams has worn many hats and been involved in many different aspects of USDF and dressage over the years. Currently serving as USDF Junior/Young Rider Committee Chair, she is also a member of the USDF Historical Recognition, Regional Championships and Youth Programs Committees.

In her nomination, her longtime friend and fellow committee member Roz Kintsler (USDF’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year) spoke of the many qualities—including her passion for the sport, her generosity and willingness to guide new volunteers, her infectious enthusiasm, and her dedication to the future of the sport exhibited by her endless work with the youth portion of our community—that make Williams a perfect choice to receive this honor.

Williams’ dedication and experience is most evident in her work with the North American Youth Championships. Here, she has the enormous task of coordinating USDF and U.S. Equestrian Federation’s involvement in creating the annual qualifying criteria, which proved especially cumbersome due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also plays a major role in the USDF Junior/Young Rider Clinic program, working with area coordinators and serving as one of the evaluators to review each potential participant’s application video.

“Roberta is an excellent choice for this important award,” said USDF President Gorretta. “She has been both an exceptional leader and an outstanding mentor for literally hundreds of NAYC regional chefs, plus juniors, young riders, and their parents. A valuable member of several other USDF committees, as well as the Editorial Board of USDF Connection, Roberta’s dedication to USDF has been remarkable, appreciated, and now appropriately recognized.”

For more information about the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, visit the USDF website or contact the USDF office at voyaward@usdf.org.