Rita Hoch

Background

About Rita Hoch

Rita is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, earning a B.S. in Communication Disorders and an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. She spent over a decade in healthcare, specializing in the rehabilitation of individuals with head injuries, strokes, and other neurological disorders. A dedicated advocate for animal welfare, Rita founded Nexus Equine in 2016 to fill a critical gap in equine welfare in Oklahoma, a state with one of the largest horse populations but limited resources for equine care. Under her leadership, Nexus Equine has provided life-changing support to over horses through education, outreach, and placement programs. Recognizing similar gaps in lifesaving services for dogs and cats, Rita, alongside the board of directors and donors, led the strategic expansion of Nexus Equine into Nexus Animals in 2023. This transition extended the organization’s mission beyond equines, launching Nexus Pets, an initiative focused on connecting communities with pets and reducing the number of at-risk animals through education, outreach, and adoption initiatives. As Founder, President, and CEO of Nexus Animals, Rita continues to drive transformational change in animal welfare. Her vision ensures that horses, dogs, and cats across Oklahoma receive the care, support, and resources they need while strengthening the human-animal bond through sustainable solutions.