nicki mcdermott

Board President

Nicki has been a volunteer with Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding for 17 years and has served on its board of directors for seven. Horses have been her lifelong gateway to new worlds, meaningful relationships, and unexpected opportunities. Whenever she’s uncertain about what comes next, she finds a way to involve horses—and somehow, everything seems to fall into place. Having experienced firsthand the many benefits of the equine world, Nicki is passionate about playing a small part in bringing the transformative power of equine therapy to the Jackson Hole community.

Nicki grew up in Missouri and attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina. In search of adventure, she moved to Jackson in 2004 to work as a wrangler at Gros Ventre River Ranch. After two summers at the ranch, she returned to St. Louis, unsure of what her next chapter would hold. When in doubt, add horses. She discovered therapeutic riding in Missouri, and it has been part of her life ever since. Her time at that facility was relatively brief as it quickly became clear that Jackson was home. After returning permanently, Nicki worked at the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, where she held a variety of roles and, more importantly, developed skills and relationships that continue to shape her work and community involvement.



Today, Nicki, her husband Brendan, and their daughters, Brynn and Cora, enjoy the good Jackson life. Philanthropy and community service are important parts of their family life. When she’s not caring for the family’s horses, chickens, cats, and dog, Teddy, Nicki can usually be found hiking, reading, or shuttling her kids around town.