Margot Smithson is the Director of the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm. This National Historic Site and tourism attraction is a teaching facility for the University of Vermont, (UVM). In her role of Director, Margot is responsible for the overall leadership, daily operations, and strategic direction of the Morgan Horse Farm.
In 2018, Margot helped lead a strategic planning effort for the Morgan Horse Farm, facilitated by UVM’s Center for Rural Studies. The strategic plan led to over $1M in public and private investment in the Morgan Horse Farm, and the revitalization of its mission, programs, and facilities. For this work, Margot awarded the President’s Our Common Ground award for staff excellence in 2019.
Margot has worked in the non-profit field for fifteen years. Prior to her time with the Morgan Horse Farm, Margot spent six years at HowardCenter Developmental Services, her last position there was Team Lead for the Clinical Case Management Team.
Currently Margot is enrolled in the Graduate College at University of Vermont. She is a candidate for a master’s degree in public administration and is pursuing a graduate certificate in Community Resilience and Planning, (expected 2023).
Margot received a Bachelors of Arts from St. Lawrence University majoring in Fine Arts, minoring in Biology. During her undergraduate studies, Margot took a semester abroad in Kenya. This pivotal experience fostered in Margot a deep respect and celebration of diverse cultures and identities.
Margot is a fourth-generation Vermonter born and living in Addison County. Margot takes her rural heritage to heart, living on a small farm with her family where they explore permaculture and regenerative homesteading.
