Leadership

Dr. Steven R. Hansen

As the Arizona Humane Society’s top dog, Dr. Steven R. Hansen oversees AHS’ organizational operations and leads the implementation and execution of its strategic plan as AHS and its partners strive to transform Maricopa County into one of the best places to be a pet. By leveraging innovation, compassion and excellence, AHS has collaboratively led transformational change within its own shelter, leading to a dramatic reduction in euthanasia (two paws up from our pets!) and a renewed focus on treating the sick, injured and abused animals who need AHS’ help the most.

Prior to joining AHS, Dr. Hansen spent 16 years with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), most recently as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Hansen also served as Director of Veterinary Research and Support for Wellmark International and practiced clinical veterinary medicine in Houston and Chicago. He serves on a variety of mission-critical boards, including the Hill’s Shelter Advisory Board, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Legislative Advisory Committee, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, the American College of Animal Welfare, Arizona State University’s Community Advisory Council and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Community Advisory Board.

Dr. Hansen received his BS and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Iowa State University and received an MS and MBA from the University of Illinois. Dr. Hansen is board certified by the American College of Animal Welfare and the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. Our animals constantly talk about how smart they think he is and how grateful they are that he is their greatest advocate!

Matthew Johnson, CPA

Matt’s favorite color is green and he makes sure our pets don’t go overboard buying too many treats and toys. Matt is responsible for managing all financial affairs at AHS, which includes Accounting, Finance and Purchasing. He also oversees our Facilities department. Matt received his BS of Accounting at Brigham Young University and is a registered Certified Public Accountant.

Lauren Martich, CFRE

Lauren is tasked with bringing in dollars for our dogs and cash for our cats. Lauren is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization’s full range of fundraising efforts to support a $19 million annual fundraising budget and $28 million campaign to build the new Central Campus & Animal Medical Center. She oversees the planning and implementation of all development activities and works directly with major individual, corporate and foundation donors to secure major and leadership gifts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising from Northern Arizona University and the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential.

Debbie McKnight, MS, CPDT-KSA

The most vulnerable pets in our community couldn’t ask for a better champion than Debbie, who serves as Vice President of Field and Animal Welfare. She oversees our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ who rescue the Valley’s sick, injured and abused pets. She also manages our Behavior team, which works with our shelter animals, and our Public Pet Training program which provides training and behavior solutions to the public for both dogs and cats. Debbie is a certified, professional dog trainer and has 15 years of training and behavior experience and has a Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis focused in dog behavior. She also has an Animal Cruelty Investigation certification and is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. She helps advocate for pets in case of disaster by serving as the Chair of the Maricopa County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (MCCOAD), as well as serving on the board of the Arizona Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (AZVOAD). In addition, Debbie has received her Professional Development Series certificate from FEMA.

Kelsea Patton, CAWA

As head cheerleader for our most innovative ideas, Kelsea drives the key strategic initiatives that help advance the mission of our organization and save more lives. She is also responsible for overseeing efforts to help our pets find homes, promoting our programs and engaging our community in our lifesaving impact. Kelsea manages our Adoptions & Retail, Alternative Placement, Foster, Pet Resource Center and Admissions Departments, as well as all Marketing, Advocacy and Education and Outreach efforts for the organization. Kelsea earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Baylor University and a Master of Arts degree in Innovative Leadership from Western International University. Kelsea was named one of the 2017 Women Who Move the Valley by Arizona Foothills Magazine, and was named as one of 2018 Outstanding Women in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal. She has also received her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) designation from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Jill Santa

Our pet’s favorite people person, Jill oversees human resources and volunteer engagement for the organization. Jill is the greatest champion of AHS’ core values of innovation, compassion and excellence, and knows that happy people lead to happy animals. Jill has a BS in Business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds certifications in Human Resources (PHR and SHRM-CP) and Project Management (PMP).

Melissa Thompson, DVM

Whether it’s a cat suffering from a broken leg or a dog just looking for a new home, Dr. Thompson helps ensure that animals in need are given a second chance at happiness. Dr. Thompson oversees our shelter animal health programs and veterinary clinics, including our Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™, Margaret McAllister Brock Veterinary Clinic and Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Thompson’s professional interests include trauma medicine and reducing pet overpopulation. She is a 2008 graduate of Western University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Mindy Bemmerl

Mindy oversees our shelter veterinarians who help care for and save the lives of our community’s most vulnerable pets. She has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego and received her veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland.  She has two young daughters, two dogs and one cat and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and being outdoors.

Sara Cruz-Mora

Sara oversees our public veterinary clinics and is committed to connecting pet owners with affordable medical services that help keep pets and people together. Sara has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Arizona State University, is the proud mother of three kids and three dogs, and always welcomes foster kittens into her home.

Linda Gentry

Whenever our pets have questions about finances, they know to go to Linda for answers. She oversees the Accounting and Purchasing teams and is responsible for financial reporting, budget preparation, and financial audit coordination. She loves to travel, read, and spend time with her two rescue pups, Sully, a Peek-A-Poo, and Rusty, a Chihuahua/Papillion mix.

Michael Hempel

Michael is our resident computer whiz who ensures our pets have the best technology at their disposal. Michael, who has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix, oversees our information technology strategy and drives new IT innovation. Michael is a proud parent to both two-and four-legged children with a son serving in the U.S. Navy and two recently adopted kittens, Tally and Cleo. When he isn’t watching over our servers and ensuring our software is up-to-date, he enjoys mountain biking.

Jane Herrera, CAWA

Whether it’s through adoption, rescue or other placement options, Jane is always seeking innovative ways to find our pets homes. Jane oversees our Adoptions, Retail, Rescue, Project Reachout, Transport, Working Cats and Community Cats programs. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Retailing and Consumer Sciences from the University of Arizona, with double minors in Business Administration and Animal Science, and she has received her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) certification from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. Jane and her husband have four Basset Hounds, a cat and two horses.

Serena Ness

Serena oversees the heart of our organization, managing our Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ medical team that is responsible for saving thousands of lives every year. She also heads up our Shelter Surgery and Admissions teams and manages special medical projects such as our Parvo Puppy ICU and Kitten Nursery. Serena, who has been with AHS since 1997, is a graduate of Long Medical’s veterinary technician program.

Kimberly Ring

Kimberly is the brains behind promoting our amazing pets and sharing our lifesaving story with the community. Kimberly oversees our Marketing, Media and Outreach departments and focuses on raising the awareness of AHS as an innovator and leader in animal welfare. Kimberly has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Buffalo and numerous industry awards from national advertising and marketing organizations. She is mom to a Shepherd/Pittie mix, Jolene, and three cats, Charlie, Zoe and Raj.

Dr. Craig Thatcher, Chair

As a veterinarian, Craig champions animal health and welfare and is passionate about the mission of the Arizona Humane Society. He is also actively involved with Florence Crittenton of Arizona, which serves girls at risk, and is President of the School Board of Florence Crittenton’s Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona. Craig’s other philanthropic activities include Arizona State University and the Desert Botanical Garden. Craig and his partner, Ken, love to travel and enjoy spending time with their dogs, Noah, Lola, and Rufus.

Bryan Albue, Vice Chair

Bryan has long been advocating for animals and has served on the Boards of The Arizona Animal Welfare League and Friends of Animal Care & Control. He has also fostered cats for Maricopa Animal Care & Control and other rescue groups. Bryan also serves on the Board and Executive Committee of Phoenix Community Alliance and on the Board of Jazz in Arizona, Inc., a non-profit organization that owns and operates The Nash jazz club on Roosevelt Row. He is deeply committed to his animal companions, and when not practicing law, likes spending time with his rescue family – Hanna, an Australian Cattle dog, and cats, RonRon, Logan, Chismosa and Johnny-B.

Julie Johnson, Secretary

Animals have always warmed Julie’s heart and enriched her life and she loves helping pets and providing them with the opportunity to lead happy, healthy lives since the bless us with their presence. Julie is also a strong advocate for education in Arizona and bridging the education gap and preparing every child for success in life. Julie has two dogs, Ruger, a 9-year-old brindle boxer and Duke, a 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Julie is passionate about her husband, family and friendships. She enjoys the great outdoors while biking, hiking, skiing and walking the dogs, and loves to cook, read and share good food and wine with friends.

Matthew Waller, Treasurer

Matt has been a lover of all things four-legged since he was a small boy growing up in Glendale. His past and present have been filled with the love and care for a litany of different animals which serves as the foundation for the support he brings to AHS. He is also a committee member supporting Arizona State University and the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. Matt’s dog Hershie, an AHS alumni and Shar Pei mix, is one of his closest companions and can be found getting walked on many different hiking trails throughout Arizona. When he’s not helping clients, Matt enjoys golfing, traveling, cooking on the grill and spending time with family and friends.

Andrea Marconi, Past Chair

When not advocating on behalf of her clients as a commercial litigator, Andrea focuses her charitable and community efforts working to support animal welfare and children/education issues. Through her work at AHS, Andrea is committed to giving companion animals a voice they do not otherwise have. When she isn’t busy at work or in the community, Andrea enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons as well as her four-legged kids, Tank the Great Dane, and AHS alumni, Maggie May the Boxer, Greta, a loving Boxer mix, Ralphie, the one-eyed cat, and Russell, the guinea pig.

Dr. Karla Fisher, Governance Chair

Karla believes that animal welfare is critical to building and sustaining a healthy community and is passionate about improving the wellbeing of our most vulnerable animals and saving every adoptable pet. She also has a strong passion for equity in K-12/higher education access and student success and, and is a Valley of the Sun United Way Thriving Together Leadership Committee Member. Karla previously served on the Board of the Kansas Humane Society. She has three dogs, two cats and enjoys spending her free time hanging out with her menagerie of pets and husband, Frederick, running, making art and adjunct teaching.

Anthony Alfonso, Board Member

Tony is a lifelong animal welfare advocate, with a passion towards homeless and less-fortunate animals. Tony has six rescue family members, three dogs and three cats (three are AHS alums). Tony also serves as mentor to new college graduates and young professionals on how to be successful in their new careers through self-reliance and dedication. When not leading and managing the Valuation & Business Analytics practice nationwide, Tony is an avid collector of guitars and a self-proclaimed music junkie. Tony and his wife enjoy leisure travel and going to concerts.

Courtney Beller, Board Member

Courtney is a zealous advocate for both her human clients, as an attorney, and pets alike. As a proud Pit Bull parent, she is particularly dedicated to increasing awareness about an all too often misunderstood breed. Through her work with AHS, Courtney looks forward to encouraging people from all walks of life to adopt, not shop, for their next best friend. Courtney lives in Phoenix with her husband, Michael, and her other best guy, Pit Bull/American Bulldog mix, Smokey. They like to spend their time going on walks and enjoying Puppuccinos as a family.

Yvonne A Betts, Board Member

Yvonne is passionate about all causes related to animals and believes AHS is making a difference in the community, for both animals and the people who love them. Yvonne has also volunteered with the Phoenix Zoo for more than 20 years and now serves on the Board of Trustees. She has three rescue dogs, Twiggy a Rat Terrier mix, Blue an Australian Cattle Dog mix and Wiley a Chihuahua mix, who are all AHS alumni, as well as six box turtles, a bearded dragon and a leopard gecko. Reptiles are one of Yvonne’s true animal passions, as she loves to advocate for the scaly animals that people aren’t necessarily immediately drawn to. Yvonne enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, volunteering, watching football and baseball, and scanning the AHS website for her next dog.

Andrea L. Claus, Board Member

Andrea is an attorney practicing in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She is active with several community organizations and enjoys assisting clients with philanthropic strategies and planned gifts. She is actively involved with the Arizona Humane Society and UMOM New Day Centers. Andrea is passionate about providing critical services for vulnerable human and animal populations. Andrea and her husband have three daughters and two sweet rescue dogs, Daphne, a Chihuahua-terrier mix who is an AHS alumni and Lucy, a Dalmatian-shepherd mix. The family enjoys all things outdoors and camps whenever they get the chance.

Ann Damiano, Board Member

Ann is a dedicated cat and horse enthusiast, whose passion for supporting the Arizona Humane Society is driven by the belief that we can save the lives of more animals in our community through education, advocacy and comprehensive spay/neuter initiatives. Ann’s philanthropic service in animal welfare dates back to 2001 when she became involved in Maricopa County’s Animal Care & Control’s fundraising arm. She served on the board of directors of Friends of Animal Care & Control for eight years, including two as chair of the board. She has served on the Arizona Humane Society Board of Directors for over 10 years and is a past Chair of the Board. Ann’s four-legged family includes three rescued cats, and three horses that she trains and shows in the equestrian sport of dressage.

Dyan Getz, Board Member

Dyan is passionate about a variety of causes including healthcare, education, sustainability, history preservation and all animals, big and small. In addition to serving on AHS’ Board, she is also a member of Desert Foundation Auxiliary of Scottsdale, National Charity League of Phoenix and a regent for the George Washington Foundation, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Dyan and her husband, George, have three children, Alison, Chip and Kit, two Golden Retrievers, Big Reg and Harper, one Yorkie, Little Ed, a cat named Liberty, and a bunny, Nyla. In her free time, Dyan enjoys singing and playing instruments with her girls.

Lisa Grayson, Board Member

Lisa is passionate about the impact spay/neuter can make in a community and believes the Arizona Humane Society has helped transform animal welfare in the Valley. Lisa has a pair of Brittanys, Brett and Beau, and a cat, Anya, who she adopted from AHS. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spoiling all of her kids – both two- and four-legged.

Dr. Linda Groomes, Board Member

Linda is an author, consultant and career/life coach who believes in enriching the lives of pets and people. She is also passionate about empowering women and social justice and is the Founder & CEO of Achieving My Purpose (AMP), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inform, inspire and empower young women, ages 18-30, to achieve their purpose. Dr. Groomes is the recipient of the 2017 Scottsdale MLK Diversity Champion Award and the Phoenix Business Journal 2015 Outstanding Women in Business Award. She has two Shih Tzus, Angel and Bo, and in her free time she enjoys traveling, shopping and playing card games. She is also a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan and has attended seven Super Bowls.

Suzanne Hensing, Board Member

Suzanne is a local philanthropist dedicated to shaping a better Arizona, and has a passion for pets, family, science and health care. In addition to her work with AHS, Suzanne, who spent more than 30 years in the health care industry as a Registered Nurse and then in hospital administration, also engages the community through leadership roles on various committees, boards, and high-profile events, including the Dean’s Circle at ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Women Inspiring Scientific Progress (WISP), Charter 100 Arizona and Social Venture Partners (SVP). Suzanne has an Irish Setter, Casey, who she loves to walk, run and work on obedience and agility training. In her spare time, she also enjoys all types of exercise and cooking great meals with the fresh vegetables she grows in her own garden.

Susanne Ingold, Board Member

Susie, a native Phoenician, recalls visiting the Arizona Humane Society with her family as a child and adopting their first pet, Taffy, a mixed breed puppy. As a lifelong animal lover and supporter, Susie is an advocate for the protection and welfare of all animals and is passionate about the impact that the AHS has on the community. Susie lives in Phoenix with her husband Randy Norton, a partner with Deloitte, and their newest addition – a precious chocolate lab.

Ann-Marie Lee, Board Member

Ann-Marie is passionate about giving of herself and her resources, and supports the Arizona Humane Society because she believes pets make people happy, reduce stress and provide hope and inspiration. Ann-Marie has a 6-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Boomer who she rescued and enjoys volunteering and playing tennis, golf and pickleball in her free time.

Tracey Lyons, Board Member

Tracey’s love for animals began at a very young age while growing up in Ireland, where she was surrounded by family pets that had usually been rescued from bad situations, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, parakeets, goldfish and one very cheeky seagull! Tracey has been a supporter and member of the Arizona Humane Society for many years, and supports other organizations dedicated to helping and enriching the lives of animals in need. Tracey lives in central Phoenix with her husband Ray and three Poodle mixes, two of which she adopted from the Arizona Humane Society.

Kerry Milligan, Board Member

Kerry has been an advocate for homeless animals since her first visit to a Chicago animal shelter at age five. After six years of learning the ins and outs of AHS’s programs as a volunteer and docent, Kerry is honored to bring an operations-focused perspective to AHS’ Board of Directors. When she’s not volunteering at the AHS Kitten Nursery, Kerry spends her free time providing in-home foster care to neonate kittens and pups and mentoring fellow foster care providers.

Kimberlee R. Padilla, Board Member

Kimberlee is a compassionate supporter of children and animals in the state of Arizona. As a third generation native of Arizona, Kimberlee has grown up with the Arizona Humane Society and has been an ongoing advocate for AHS. Kimberlee has supported AHS in a variety of different capacities, including serving as the Chair of AHS’ Compassion with Fashion luncheon and fashion show in 2009. Kimberlee travels extensively for her position with Coca-Cola, but she balances work with cooking, exercising with her three dogs and husband, and traveling to dog-friendly destinations.

Suzanne Pearl, Board Member

Suzanne is an animal lover and adopter who has found her true passion being involved with the like-minded people at the Arizona Humane Society. She is an advocate for all homeless – both humans and animals – through her work with AHS and UMOM New Day Centers. She credits her appreciation for all animals, and nature in general, to growing up in Iowa and “farming” with her grandparents. Her home is full of life with her two children, Alex and Laura and five dogs. She spends her free time gardening, playing with the dogs, working out, enjoying friends and family and cooking. Her dream is to someday own a ranch where she could take in many homeless animals.

Ann Siner, Board Member

Ann has always been a lover of animals and nature and has given back to those without voices for more than 20 years. Since opening My Sister’s Closet, now the largest designer resale store brand in the country, in 1991, Ann and her company have donated more than $1 million in unsold goods to the thrift stores of local animal shelters, including AHS’ thrift operation. In addition to AHS, Ann has also served on the boards of the Friends of Animal Care & Control, The Nature Conservancy, Phoenix Art Museum, Fresh Start and the National Council for Defenders of Wildlife. When Ann isn’t running My Sister’s Closet’s 15 stores or doing community work, there’s no place she’d rather be than on the couch with her four-legged kids, which include six dogs and three cats, or hiking in the mountains surrounded by nature.

Patricia Tate, Board Member

Patricia is extremely passionate about giving a voice to animals and children. In addition to championing for AHS’ homeless pets, she also volunteered as an advisory member for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Red Mountain Branch and Lehi Branch of the Boys and Girls Club and served as a Board of Governors for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale. Additionally, she has served as the chairwomen for Salt River Financial Services Institution which is dedicated to offering financial services and education to Community Members of SRPMIC, as a Board Member of Salt River DEVCO which focuses on a commercial development and on the Board of Florence Crittenton ,which serves at risk girls (10-21) who have issues of abuse, neglect, teen pregnancy, and behavioral and/or mental health problems. In her free time, Patricia loves spending time outdoors with her 6-year-old daughter, including trips to the zoo, park and walks.

Jo Taulbee-Flittie, Board Member

Caring for others, including animals, is a philosophy that Jo has held since her childhood, when she lived on a small ranch in Texas full of cows, horses, pigs and chickens. Jo supports AHS because she strongly believes that true pet responsibility includes advances in medical treatment, rescue shelters, innovation and new theories on pet placement. Jo’s philanthropic support also extends to hospitals, battered women, alternative medicine research and the arts for the underserved. Jo spent 42 years as a self-employed businesswoman focusing on commercial real estate development and home design. Since retirement, she has focused on professional photography, traveling to exotic places with an eye on capturing unique and exotic animals on film. Jo has two rescue dogs, Charles and Molly, who she loves dearly.