Meet the MKSR Executive Board!
MKSR President / Director
Meet Marisa Gilliland.
Marisa is a 27 year old resident of Gillett, Pennsylvania! Marisa's love for horses and rodeo started at 11 years old when she started trail riding with some friends. During her high school years she traveled to many local rodeos competing the Barrel Racing event. At the age of 17, Marisa decided to run for the title of Miss Teen Rodeo Pennsylvania which she won in 2017. She then went on to win Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania in 2019 and Miss Keystone State Rodeo 2021. She completed her rodeo queen/ pageant career by competing in the Miss Rodeo USA pageant in 2022.
Marisa is now the owner and full time operator of The Bling Bandit, a western / boho online boutique that she started by making faux leather earrings in her bedroom to help fund her rodeo queen career.
Marisa also continues to rodeo extensively following the Bull Ride Mania and Sundance Arena rodeo schedule with her team of rodeo horses: Joe, Wyatt, Karma and Montana. Marisa has recently added Breakaway Roping to her skill set as well. Other than rodeo and rodeo queening she enjoys traveling to state parks to explore and trail ride with her fiance', Cody. Hanging out with her two dogs, Rocky and Bandit and spending time in her barn caring / riding her 7 horses.
Vice President
Meet Jodi Kurtz.
Jodi was born and raised in central PA where she currently resides with her husband and 3 sons. She grew up on the back of a horse and spent many weekends during her formative years at rodeos and barrel races. While competing in the Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Assoc. she was a 2 time
national qualifier for breakaway calf roping. She also raised and showed beef cattle.
Jodi’s passion has shifted to the canine species. She owns and operates a grooming salon as well as breeds Mini and Toy Aussies. Jodi contributes her drive and determination to the life experiences her parents provided through involvement in the agricultural industry. She believes that MKSR offers young ladies many of the same opportunities to refine skills such as public speaking, professionalism, confidence, positivity and ambassadorship that will benefit them throughout their lives and she’s excited to be a mentor for ladies that cross MKSR's path.
Secretary
Meet Michaela Heimbach.
Michaela is 24 years old and resides in Millmont, Pennsylvania. She grew up riding her grandparents trail horses which then sparked her interest in rescuing horses. She would take the horses in that needed some TLC, rehabilitate them, and help them find new loving homes. Michaela is also the owner of a western boutique called Moonlit Ranch & Boutique.
Michaela is very excited to join the MKSR Executive Board, she believes in helping the younger generation build self confidence, along with helping them build skills that will continue to help them be successful and professional even after their time here with us at MKSR.
Treasurer
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Kylie was raised in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, where her roots in agriculture began to grow. Surrounded by family involved in farming, she developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for the land, eventually becoming involved in farming herself as a teenager. She earned a degree in Healthcare Administration from Misericordia University and currently works in the healthcare insurance industry. Outside of her professional life, Kylie has developed a passion for livestock—especially her horse, Ritz—and enjoys traveling, rodeos, hiking, fishing, and growing in her faith. She is proud to be part of the incredible team behind Miss Keystone, where she advocates for the rodeo and agriculture industries while helping the program continue to grow and inspire young women.
Pageant Coordinator
Dea, was born in Ohio however she was raised in Northern California where she grew up in a preacher's family. Dea started her horse riding journey as a teen competing in barrels and gymkhana events. Which grew her passion for the animal and the sport of riding! She bought her first horse when she was a young adult, followed by gaining the responsibility of becoming a 4-H leader. Around this time is when she entered the rodeo scene, carrying sponsorship flags and even riding a few bulls in her day at local rodeos. Dea then met and married her husband, Troy. He rode bareback broncs and team roped on the heading side! After they married, they moved to Troy’s home state of Pennsylvania. Dea currently lives on The Diamond W Ranch in Honey Grove, Pennsylvania. She has 4 daughters who have been involved in 4H, FFA, have shown livestock locally, state wide, nationally and even at international shows. Dea’s daughters have also competed and won Queen titles as Fair Queens, Agriculture Queens and Rodeo Queens. Both Dea and her husband are strong supporters of the sport of Rodeo and the Western way of life. We support Rodeo athletes, both human and livestock and have instilled that same strong beliefs in our family. Dea is a strong advocate for the sport of rodeo, and loves helping the young women involved in it.
Member at Large
Hope is married to her best friend and husband, Ron for 16 years. Together they have 2 beautiful children, Gabrielle, 15, and Owen,10. Her family has 2 corgis, Baxter and Reba. Hope is a registered nurse and has been for the past 19 years. Hope has cared for patients in labor and delivery to Hospice care and every where in between, but her heart always being in Hospice. When ever she isn't nursing, you can find her on the family farm. She enjoys helping her kids with their beef cattle, market lamb, and goat projects. This year Hope has also become a 4-H leader with her children's livestock club and a shooting sports instructor for archery. Hope is also creating a skillathon for her county’s 4-H Fair. Hope enjoys giving back to the agriculture industry because she feels she would not be where she is today without all those experiences. If Hope has any spare time after chasing her kids or animals, you will find her baking sourdough, crocheting, or just relaxing with family. When asked “Why do you want to be part of the MKSR Board?” The reason is simple. “I love being a part of organizations that support not only our youth but, young women who seek a future in Agriculture. I have seen this organization grow over the past 2 years. I’ve seen the young women who have been title holders grow into more amazing young ladies and young women, because of the support the MKSR has given them. Now, I do not know horses, nor will you ever find me barrel racing or break away roping, but I’ll be there to dust you off, make sure you are ok and I’ll support you in anyway that I can!”
Board Member: Hannah Shrawder
Hannah Zechman Shrawder, 22, lives in the heart of Central Pennsylvania with her husband, Jason, in the small town of Mifflinburg. She works full-time as an operating room nurse at a local hospital. Hannah’s passion for horses began at an early age, she’s been riding since she could walk and competing in barrel racing for more than 12 years. Throughout her rodeo journey, Hannah has been involved with several associations, including the PHSRA, KJRA, and APRA, and she enjoys following the Bull Ride Mania series. She proudly held the titles of 2022 and 2024 Miss Keystone State Rodeo Queen, honors that hold a special place in her heart. Now, as a board member, Hannah is excited to give back to the organization that gave her so much and to help inspire the next generation of rodeo queens while continuing to promote the western way of life.
Traveling Wardrobe Manager: Rebecca Gates
Rebecca Gates, engaged to Kenneth Bell, resides in Kendall, New York. Where they own and operate a riding program; Superior Racing Stables LLC. As the former Miss First Frontier Circuit 2020/2021, Rebecca has been involved with the rodeo queen world since 2014, when she started her clothing line; Fancy Cowgirl Designs. When she's not teaching lessons or making clothing, you can find Rebecca competing at local barrel races and rodeos.