By Kathleen Beaver, President & CEO

Change is one of those tricky little words. It strikes fear in some and energizes others. But transformation is the deep end of the pool. It’s not just tweaking this and that. It’s big, foundational change.

Animal Friends is all about transformation. Our life-affirming mission and progressive programming are built on the belief that transformation is indeed possible. Consider the thousands of animals who come to us each year. So many arrive fearful, displaced, confused and broken. But we know this isn’t who they really are. It’s our job to uncover their true potential buried inside. And with an experienced staff and a corps of truly amazing volunteers, the transformation of these lives happens – every day.

There are other transformations happening within Animal Friends, too.

Dr. Miguel Ortiz, DVM, has joined us as our new Chief Lifesaving Officer. Dr. Ortiz will take on the critical role of providing leadership and guidance to our animal operations departments – from when an animal enters our doors, through the care process and supporting successful outcomes and new homes. A graduate of Purdue Veterinary School and Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Dr. Ortiz looks forward to putting his leadership, out-of-the-box thinking and strategic planning skills into practice to support Animal Friends’ future. Of course, he is also a seasoned veterinary professional and is passionate about the opportunity to advance animal welfare in an equitable and sustainable way.

Earlier this year, we welcomed two others into leadership positions at Animal Friends.

Patty Maurer has joined us as our new Chief Development & Communications Officer. A highly experienced non-profit professional, Patty’s experience ranges from broad fundraising skills to event management and strategic planning. From working for large higher education organizations to small community-based non-profits, her knowledge, energy and passion for Animal Friends’ mission will certainly serve her well.

We are also pleased to announce the promotion of Stefanie Zukowski to the role of Chief Administrative Officer. Since joining us in 2021, Stefanie has transformed our technology landscape, overseen numerous internal facility upgrades, established a new Sustainability Committee and perfected the logistics of key projects and events like Black Tie & Tails. With her broad experience in leadership in the private sector along with her (seemingly) tireless energy, we look forward to Stefanie also providing oversight of our People and Culture Departments – Volunteer Services and Human Resources.

I know first-hand the power of our team and the potential to save even more lives in our communities. From staff and volunteers to donors and community partners, we are always stronger together.

I encourage you to visit Animal Friends this summer to see the many transformations that are happening. From new, redesigned spaces, to lives healing and thriving, to new faces joining an already excellent team who will continue to transform the landscape for the region’s pets and those who love them.