Terri Davidson - terri2006@bellsouth.net The Wine Dog President and Marketing Committee Chair   After I started fundraising for the Humane Society of Bay County through my store which I own and operate, The Wine Dog, in 2006 I became more directly involved and the fundraisers grew bigger and bigger. I also started volunteering at the thrift store warehouse for clean-up campaigns. The Executive Director at the time, Mary Sanger, asked me if I would become a board member and eventually I became Vice President (in 2009) and then President (in 2010). I feel that I bring marketing, fundraising, and general non-profit experience to the HSBC as well as an understanding and appreciation of working with people who love animals and volunteer because of their passion for animals.   Animal Rescue Experience In 2001, I started working as a volunteer in an animal rescue in Anderson County Animal Shelter in Anderson, SC.  As a volunteer, I established a volunteer program that included a weekly organized volunteer dog walk at a local park.  Some of the accomplishments I was nvolved with at the shelter was the construction of a dog park on the premises of the shelter, establishing and selling ad sponsorships for a bi-weekly adoption page in the newspaper that showcased 17 animals, organized fundraisers and adoption events, fostered sick dogs and rehabilitated them so that they could be adopted, and helped to bring about Governmental change so that there were improvements in the conditions at the shelter.    In 2002 I joined the board of directors of the Anderson County Humane Society, a non-shelter organization that focused on a spay/neuter certificate program, fostering, lost and found and animal transports, (transporting an adopted animal over long distances to their new home).   Also, when I moved to Boone, NC I volunteered with three organizations there including: Watauga Animal Control (kill shelter), High Country Friends for Life (foster group), and Watauga Humane Society (no-kill shelter).  I supported these organizations by fostering animals when animal control needed to make room and participating in off-site adoption events every Saturday.    Why I Love Animals I grew up with a love of animals. My kitty cat was my constant companion as was the family dog. When I grew up and left home for the first time, I stopped on the way out of town in route to Tampa. FL and picked up a puppy to go with me.   I start my every day with a cup of coffee and my dogs sharing the lounge chair with me. It makes the world right and keeps me grounded and balanced…although some days I probably should go back home to the chair with the dogs and get re-balanced.   I presently have six dogs. Never meant to have that many but…it worked out that way. They all have their story. Four of the six are adopted and two of the six are seniors. Being so involved with animals puts one in a position to see far more animals in need and greatly increases the chances of bringing another dog home. In my case, the dog has to fit in with “The Herd” that already lives with my husband and me.   Each dog or cat is unique and wonderful in their own way and I love communicating with them to discover what makes them happy. I love to watch people and their pets and it brings great joy to my heart to see a happy pet. The joy of a child, the joy of a pet; it makes the world a better place. This is what motivates me to help the dogs and cats that are in need.

Aaron Rich - aarich@arinc.com ARINC Vice President and Technology & Volunteer Committee Chairs   I have served on the board of directors since February 2009 and have been a supporter of the Humane Society of Bay County for nearly 10 years.  I have three rescue dogs who might be some of the most spoiled dogs in the whole world.  I joined the board after supporting the HSBC with their website for several years and recently just re-designed this one.  I help our organization with various technology related issues.     Animal Rescue Experience My experience with the HSBC dates back to when I started working with the organization to develop the previous version of the website.  While the organizational needs have grown over the years, my involvement with the organization has grown as well.  As a board member, I am proud that we have been able to accomplish many very positive things in a short period of time.    Extra Curricular Activities In addition to my service with the HSBC, I belong to the Downtown Rotary Club of Panama City, Head the Bay County IT & Creative Professionals, and work with many non-profits in the area with web and IT services.  I have served on other boards for different non-profits including the American Advertising Federation - Panama City and the Panama City Lighthouse, I am completely crazy about bass fishing and have an online store (BassTackleSupply.com) that my good friend professional angler, Michael Bennett and I started in 2010.    Why I Love Animals As someone who always grew up with pets, I learned at an early age the happiness that they bring into a household.  No matter what kind of day you have, you always have a friend when you walk in the door at the end of the day.  There is NOTHING like the love of a pet.  As far as my dogs, Charlie might just be the perfect dog. He is like a living teddy bear and I swear never does anything bad.  Barkley is my second 'child' and might be the sweetest dog in the world.  He loves to cuddle right next to my head whether he is on top of the couch or sneaking up on my pillow at night.  Eddie is completely insane and brings a ridiculous energy to the house.  He makes me laugh with his awkwardness and playful affection that is funny and sweet at the same time.    I truly believe that almost all shelter animals can be great pets if given some love and attention.  They just need good homes!!!

Desirée Gardner - secretary@adoptme.org Desirée Gardner Photography Secretary   I moved to Bay County in 2005, and I have served on the Board of Directors since 2010 as the Secretary for the organization. I also helps with some of the marketing elements of the organization, and take pictures of animals and events. I share my home with my two rescue dogs, Zoe and Harvey.   Animal Rescue Experience I have been ‘rescuing’ animals since she was a child, frequently bringing home animals in need. Since moving to Panama City I've worked with multiple local rescue groups on different levels. My primary focus was fostering animals in need, and helping them find their forever homes. Now I help from an organizational standpoint since my home is full with my adopted dogs.    Extra Curricular Activities When I'm not working at my new business or helping with the HSBC you can find me playing with my dogs, taking pictures just for fun, or enjoying the wonderful outdoors this area has to offer.   Why I Love Animals I honestly don’t understand how people don’t want to share their lives with pets. It is an additional element of life that I am so thankful to be able to experience every day.

Melissa Frye - BSCeltic@aol.com Frye Accounting and Bookkeeping Service Events Committee Chair   I have served on the board of directors since January 2010 and have been involved with the Humane Society of Bay County for over 10 years as either a volunteer or rescuer.  I became a board member because I felt there was a strong need for someone with a solid animal and financial background to help solidify the board’s direction. I was already doing occasional volunteer work so it was time to step up and do more.   I feel that I bring to the HSBC a willingness to work and a strong desire to reach goals. Because of my extensive background with dogs and my extremely varied background in business, I can work in almost any area the organization needs me. I’m really good at organizing events and making the most of a limited source of people and money.   Animal Rescue Experience I’ve also been involved with German Shepherd rescue for more than 10 years. Mostly as a transport driver – my first run was a German Shepherd from Miami Animal Control that was going to Washington State! I worked with CUR (Canine Underground Railroad), East Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue, Tampa Bay German Shepherd Rescue, Get Them There Rescue Transport, Truck-n- Paws Rescue Transport and I did a lot of independent work and fostering.   Extra Curricular Activities In addition to my service with the HSBC, I am the Current President (8yrs now) of the Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Former Training Director for Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers, still do networking for rescue transports, Sgt/Sr. K9 Handler for Bay County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue K9 Team, I train my dogs for Agility, Obedience, Pet Therapy, Schutzhund, AKC Tracking, Rally Obedience and I teach classes for the dog club in Obedience, Scent work and pet therapy. I’ve, also, got a fairly extensive educational background in Canine Aggression (I don’t do much in that field any longer).   Why I Love Animals About 14 years ago, I went thru an emotional crisis. Quite honestly, I was a mess and I didn’t really see any way out. Finally, I entered therapy. My psychologist was a man named Dr. Clell Warner. Dr. Warner sent me to my first dog obedience class with my rescued White German Shepherd, Jamieson. He wanted me to do this so that I could learn to say “NO” and mean it. So I went to class and when Jamieson needed it I’d tell him “No”. In time, it got easier to say “No” to my family and friends when I needed to do so. Jamieson and I became a team, true partners. It changed my life and I recovered. As the years passed, I’d take various training classes and the instructors would ask folks why they were in the class, time and again, someone would pipe up and say that their Doctor told them to come so they could learn to say “No”.   Dr. Warner was a smart man. When he sent me and the other folks to dog training, he didn’t really send us there to learn to say “NO”. He was sending us to learn about that unconditional love that only a pet can provide. He wanted us to know that we didn’t have to be perfect to be loved. And Dr. Warner was right, it didn’t matter to Jamieson if I was good at training, terrible at it or anything else and he always showed me that wonderful special unconditional love.   That’s the real secret to being an animal lover, learning to accept and RETURN that unconditional love for our pets and those animals that cross our paths. Learn to say “No” and you start learning to open your heart.

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Kelly Polk - kelly.polk77@gmail.com Trucks & Associates   I have served on the board of directors since 2011 and started as a volunteer with the HSBC during the move from 23rd street to the new shelter and Thrift store by cleaning and helping to prepare the new facilities. I felt so wonderful doing this that I asked the volunteer coordinator to add me to the list of permanent volunteers so that I could help out more often. I soon began attending as many events as possible. After walking dogs with my husband and daughter for the HSBC at Friday Fest one evening, I was asked to join the board. I can’t express just how much this has meant to me! I’m overwhelmed and honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization and to know some of the most amazing and kind hearted people in the community.   Animal Rescue Experience Though I do not have any previous experience working with an organization, it has always been a love of mine to help in any way I can. From helping friends by babysitting their animals while they are away, to helping search for an animal that was lost, or even helping someone find a new animal to add to their family, I have always loved caring for animals. It doesn’t matter if it is a bug or a horse; I find personal joy in my interactions with God’s creatures.   Extra Curricular Activities My own dog is part of the family and he goes just about anywhere we go. From car rides & bike rides to boat trips & canoe trips, our beloved “Cullen”, our 2 year old Golden retriever, follows us everywhere. We also have an African Grey Parrot named “Costly Isabird.” She is 10 years old and was brought home when she was just a hatchling. We syringe fed her every 2 hours and had to keep her in an incubator for several weeks while she grew, hence the name “Costly”. Watching her learn how to perch, and fly was like watching my own children learn to walk and read. She is a true joy to have in the house with her extended vocabulary, sounds and voice mimicking. Our dear pet rat Scrumptious is my 5 year old daughter’s birthday wish from last year. She takes him almost everywhere and the two love to sit and watch TV together and our little Scrumptious is so well mannered that he will gently lick your cheek or take food from your lips. I’m also a U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Instructor. A program for youth ages 11-17 that express an interest in joining the armed forces. We are comprised of volunteer former and active duty military personal providing cadets with outstanding hands on field training and military knowledge. I am also a sponsor for the Feed the Hungry Campaign and a financial contributor to Way FM radio. Our family stays active in our church and we love to be outside as often as possible.   Why I Love Animals I have always had pets growing up and have always wanted more! I used to think my stuffed animals were real and they all had names. I have had your typical cat and dog, birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, rats and many others throughout my life. My life does not seem complete if I don’t have a pet to care for and enjoy. I love taking pictures of animals and require that on every family vacation, we go where the animals are! There is just something so spectacular about God’s little creatures and I’m truly happy to be around them. It’s the same peace I feel from holding my children.

LeAnne Carlin - lmgrt928@comcast.net Panama City Surgery Center I have served on the board of directors since August 2011 and have been involved in the organization since 1993 through pet adoption and volunteer work.  I am a Radiographer at the Panama City Surgery Center and work in the areas of outpatient surgery and pain management.  I also maintain the radiation records for the facility.        Animal Rescue Experience I have a love for animals and I have always owned dogs.  I want to help raise funds for the less fortunate dogs and cats and help them find their forever homes.  I also want to help reach out to the community and raise public awareness to spay and neuter these pets and help support our no-kill shelter. I have rescued pets before and volunteered briefly with a local rescue group to help find lost dogs.  I have ideas, as circumstances arise, to help bring in funds to help day to day operations, as well as, future funding for our goals.  Social networking is a huge venue and I believe I can help in this area to increase our adoption rates and overall awareness of what we stand for and provide.   Extra Curricular Activities My extra curricular activities that involve animal care is solely with HSBC at this point.  I am interested in working with Operation Spay/Bay in Bay County as well.  I am also willing to help with any animal rescue group that HSBC works closely with in any time of need.   Why I Love Animals Pets have always been a part of my life.  I believe in their unconditional love and I want everyone to be able to have that experience.  I would like to do things for them that they can not do for themselves and saving a life and finding a forever home are ultimate goals.

Heather A. Radke Rich - atalanta81@gmail.com Irwin Brown Company I have served on the board of directors since November 2011 and have been active in the marketing and events committees since 2010. During that time I have worked on many events and programs for the HSBC including the Pet Assistant Program.  I also work on the Grants Committee.     I work for the Irwin Brown Company as a Logistics Analyst and in 2011 I started Heron Consulting, which provides graphic design, online advertising, search engine optimization, social media management and website development services.    Animal Rescue Experience I have volunteered for other animal shelters and rescues both in Panama City and Tallahassee.   Extra Curricular Activities Being on the HSBC board consumes a great deal of my free time. When we have a moment to relax, my husband and I love to take our 3 boys on walks and adventures.  I received my degree in Marketing from UWF, since then I have learned on my own time graphic design/ web development and internet marketing. My newest endeavor is grant and proposal writing.   Why I Love Animals I am a proud dog mom of three rescue dogs; Charlie, Barkley & Eddie. Charlie was from the HSBC.  My husband gave me Barkley on our first Valentine’s Day together. Then one day Eddie wandered into our home. Since then I have continued to rescue dogs from the side of the road and find their owners or forever homes.

Mary Gauden - Marketing Manager at Bay Point Wyndam Foster Committee Chair     Animal Rescue Experience   Extra Curricular Activities   Why I Love Animals

Stacey Harter - Research Ecologist, NOAA Fisheries I've been a Humane Society board member since March 2013. I've been involved with HSBC for about 4 years now helping out at various fundraising events and volunteering at the shelter, bathing and walking dogs.  The HSBC, is my first experience in volunteering with an animal rescue organization and I've really enjoyed helping out and participating in fundraising events.  I like that the HSBC also helps other rescue organizations promote their events .  It  all goes to help the animals.  I currently work as a Research Ecologist for NOAA Fisheries where I study deep coral ecosystems, particularly those that are marine protected areas.   Animal Rescue Experience Rescuing a dog and experiencing the unconditional love and pure joy they provide is like nothing I can describe. I have a magnet on my car that reads “Who rescued who” which is perfect for me because sometimes I wonder if Buster rescued me instead of the other way around. I hope to give others the chance to be able to experience these same wonderful feelings.  I believe I can make a difference by helping out with the HSBC fostering program and possibly starting up a new program involving pet care assistance for the elderly. Extra Curricular Activities In my free time, I enjoy a lot of outdoor activities such as going to the beach, taking my dog for a hike or to the local dog parks, or exploring new places around the area.   Why I Love Animals My family always had dogs while I was growing up and I knew I would have one of my own someday. In 2008, a rescue dog, who I named Buster, came into my life and chose me! Even though I wasn't sure the timing was right, adopting him was one of the best things I could have done and I really hope to help make a difference by being on the board for other animals in helping them find their forever homes.