Nick Ellis: Executive Director
Dr. M. Nixon Ellis (Nick) is currently President and CEO of Argolyn Bioscience and has over 20 years of pharmaceutical experience in major research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Most recently Dr. Ellis served as President of Trimeris, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of viral disease. Dr. Ellis joined Trimeris from Triangle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 1995 until 2000. Dr. Ellis was employed by Burroughs Wellcome Co. and The Wellcome Foundation Ltd. He spent 12 years in positions of increasing responsibility within the Division of Virology, ending as the Assistant Director. Dr. Ellis then transferred to London to the group business development headquarters. Dr. Ellis holds a B.S. degree in biology from the University of South Carolina, a M.S. degree in medical microbiology and a Ph.D. degree in microbiology from the University of Georgia, and an M.B.A. degree from the University of North Carolina. He now lives in Southern Pines with his wife Effie and he continues to foxhunt and competes hunter/jumpers.
Contact: nellis@carolinahorsepark.com
Abby Schlicht: Operations Manager & Event Coordinator
Abby has been visiting the Southern Pines area since the late 1980’s, and moved here permanently six years ago. She has developed strong ties in the community and purchased a home here. Abby graduated from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island with a degree in history. She joined the Park in a temporary position as Sales Manager for the Stoneybrook Steeplechase, strongly contributing to the success of the event. Prior to that she worked for a small business in Southern Pines, managing a staff of six. Since becoming a permanent member of the CHP staff, Abby's areas of responsibilities have evolved, culminating in taking the position of Operations Manager in January 2011.
Contact: abby@carolinahorsepark.com
Nicole White: Marketing and Communications Manager
Nicole moved to the Sandhills area in 2010 from Las Vegas where she worked in the PR and Marketing fields. Since joining the Park 1 1/2 yrs ago as the Marketing and Communications Manager, Nicole and her husband, Bo, have purchased a home in the area and are looking forward to putting down roots in such a great community. Nicole was born and raised in NW Montana where she grew up riding and competing in local rodeos and gymkhanas. With a continued love of horses, she is anticipating being able to take English style lessons and furthering her first hand knowledge. Nicole graduated magna cum laude from Vanguard University of Southern California with a degree in communications, emphasis in journalism and a minor in Spanish.
Contact: nicole@carolinahorsepark.com
Dick Hart: Facilities Manager
Upon retiring from Northeast Utilities in CT, Dick moved to the Southern Pines area in 2000, and immediately put his vast engineering and management experience to use assisting in the grounds maintenance of the Carolina Horse Park voluntarily. With a background as a nuclear engineer and facilities director, Dick brought a wealth of knowledge to the Park and in 2007 became the Project Manager on the construction of the first 96-stall permanent stabling facility at the Park which was completed in 2008. In January of 2012, Dick returned to the Park as the current Facilities Manager. His goal for the grounds is simple: "maintain the facilities in a state of good repair." Dick and his wife, Joan, have been married for 54 years and have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.
Contact: rdhartrd@gmail.com
