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Board of Directors

2025 Executive Committee

  • Jennifer Gornall - President
  • Renee Uht - Vice President
  • Holly Swope - Secretary
  • Kathy Brugger - Treasurer
  • Emily Baker - Vice Treasurer
  • Genna Druzak - Past President

Board Members

  • Marlene Dexter
  • Jen Duda
  • Kelly Hilling
  • CarrieAnn Krol
  • Gery Nietupski, Esq.
  • Peggy Schneider
  • Katherine Sheridan
  • Ben Staab
  • Andy Vinca
  • Jim Williams

Board of Directors Opportunity

Do you have a passion for helping Erie’s homeless animals?

Volunteer board members make an invaluable contribution to the quality of work and leadership at the Erie Humane Society. The guidance from the Board of Directors helps the organization work to fulfill our mission of Rescuing, Rehabilitating, and Rehoming all pets in need.

Volunteering as a Board Member offers dedicated individuals the chance to collaborate with a group of like-minded individuals who want to help serve as an advocate for homeless pets in need, as well as help further the organization's no-kill mission and vision each year.

At the Erie Humane Society, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization, is one where all employees, board members, volunteers and community members feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our departments, programs, and opportunities available throughout the organization. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard equally.

The organization looking to fill two vacancies on the Board of Directors. If you are interested in sharing your professional expertise and would like to be considered for future opportunities, please provide a cover letter and current resume, via email, to our Executive Director, Joe Lang.

Board of Directors Opportunity - Responsibilities and Qualifications

BOD Recruitment Description 2025

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Have a passion for the animal welfare industry
  • Possess leadership skills, and are equipped for a strategic leadership position
  • Collaborate and work effectively as a team to achieve a shared vision
  • Decision maker, who, in partnership with the Executive Director, utilizes a range of
  • planning approaches and tools
  • Communicate effectively and understand the importance of good communication at all levels
  • Visionary, possessing a future focused spirit, welcoming growth, and new opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to support the organization’s fundraising efforts by making a personal contribution that is meaningful to them; helping to identify prospective donors; attending fundraising events, and soliciting funds through other networking events
  • Ability to network within the community and foster professional connections to build relationships and generate leads for the Erie Humane Society
  • Willingness to take an active role by serving on one of the standing committees and participating in discussions, fundraising activities and decisions that are put before the Board
  • Possessing knowledge and professional skills that can be useful to the development and implementation of the Erie Humane Society’s business practices and mission

TIME COMMITMENT:

  • Three -year term (up to one consecutive term) and first year served as an auxiliary member.
  • Attend monthly meetings at the Erie Humane Society from 4:30-5:30 (1 hour) the fourth Wednesday of each month
  • Participate in the annual meeting each year in January
  • Attend committee meetings as determined
  • Attend and/or volunteer at EHS fundraising events

BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS:

  • The opportunity to directly affect the lives of all companion animals in need
  • Name recognition on EHS’s website and Annual Report
  • Professional enhancement, learning opportunities, and networking

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Business Knowledge:
    • Understands the competitive landscape of the non-profit industry; is aware of how specific strategies and tactics work in the for-profit/nonprofit sectors; Plans and projects anticipated future consequences and trends in the industry.
  • Organizational Ingenuity:
    • Becomes/is familiar with the expectations, priorities and values of EHS’s board position; understands the balance of authority/responsibilities between the organization’s Executive Director, staff and the Board; understands how the organization works and the nature of its culture. Be alert to community concerns that can be addressed by the EHS mission, objectives, and programs.
  • Action Oriented:
    • Is energized to accomplish tasks. Enjoys working hard and is comfortable moving plans forward. Sees challenges as opportunities for growth.